Rangers pushing for last-minute move for “complete & dominant” defender—an upgrade on Propper

Glasgow Rangers are running out of time to strengthen their squad before the January transfer window closes on Monday.

The club has been linked with several players ahead of the deadline, including Nottingham Forest forward Emmanuel Dennis and Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron.

However, any move for Cameron is expected to take place in the summer when his contract with Dundee expires.

In the meantime, Rangers are reportedly looking to make a late move for a new central defender to bolster Philippe Clement’s defensive options.

Rangers Targeting a New Centre-Back

According to The Scottish Sun, the Light Blues are pushing to sign Chelsea centre-back Aaron Anselmino on loan before the window shuts.

The report states that Rangers are keen to secure the Argentine defender for the remainder of the season, as Chelsea wants him to gain regular first-team experience.

Clement is eager to strengthen his squad, and bringing in Anselmino would give him another option in defence for the knockout stages of the Europa League.

However, Rangers are not the only club interested.

Sheffield Wednesday and Ligue 1 giants Marseille are also reportedly eyeing the young defender, meaning competition for his signature could be fierce in the final hours of the window.

Why Rangers Should Sign Anselmino

Nils Koppen and Clement should push hard to win the race for Anselmino, as he could be an excellent short-term solution to Rangers’ current defensive problems.

Injuries have left the team short at the back, forcing James Tavernier to fill in as a centre-back against USG on Thursday. Adding Anselmino would provide much-needed cover in that position.

The Chelsea prospect, once described as a “complete & dominant” player by scout Jacek Kulig, has shown his quality on loan at Boca Juniors.

His performances in Argentina have demonstrated his reliability in possession and defensive capability.

Comparing him to Robin Propper, Anselmino appears to be a more aggressive presence at centre-back.

He wins more duels, makes more tackles and interceptions per game, and does so without making major errors.

If he can replicate that form in the Scottish Premiership, he could significantly improve Rangers’ defensive setup.

Statistically, both defenders are comfortable on the ball, rarely conceding possession, and completing a high percentage of their passes in their own half.

However, Anselmino’s physicality and defensive awareness could make him a stronger option than Propper.

The Chelsea youngster steps in to cut out opposition attacks more frequently, offering more defensive stability.

A Smart Move for Rangers

Bringing in Anselmino on loan would not only help Rangers shore up their defence for the remainder of the season but also provide the young defender with valuable playing time.

At just 19, he still has room to develop, and a loan spell at Ibrox could accelerate his growth while benefitting the team.

With injuries forcing Clement to experiment with his defensive lineup, securing Anselmino’s services could be a crucial move before the transfer window closes.

His ability to maintain possession while adding defensive solidity makes him a smart addition for the second half of the season.

Therefore, Koppen and the Rangers recruitment team should do everything possible to finalize this deal.

Anselmino has the potential to be a key player in the coming months, helping Rangers maintain their defensive resilience and compete on multiple fronts.