Glasgow Rangers supporters will have been particularly pleased with how Scotland’s international friendly game against Curaçao went on Saturday.
Lawrence Shankland officially completed his move to the Light Blues from Hearts recently and he celebrated his move to Ibrox by scoring two goals for his country in the 4-1 win.
The former Jam Tarts captain also scored 16 goals in the Scottish Premiership this season and will be hoping to bring his goalscoring quality over to Glasgow next term.
There was also a first international goal for young academy graduate Findlay Curtis, who is set to return to Rangers this summer after his loan spell with Kilmarnock.
One Gers player who did not impress against Curaçao, though, was central defender John Souttar, who was caught out for the opener from Tahith Chong and substituted at half-time.
Rangers considering deal to sign new central defender
The Light Blues centre-back lost his place to Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga at the end of the Premiership campaign and his performance for Scotland suggests that a change in scenery has done little to help his form.
Now, Danny Röhl and the recruitment team are reportedly looking at a player who could come through the door and further limit Souttar’s chances of getting on the pitch next term.
According to reporter Chris Jack, Glasgow Rangers are eyeing up a deal to sign Excelsior central defender Casper Widell in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The journalist claims that the Gers are considering a move to bring the 23-year-old centre-back to Ibrox to bolster Röhl’s options at the heart of the defence.
Meanwhile, reports in Sweden suggest that English Championship teams Blackburn Rovers and Derby County are also keen on a move for the 6 foot 3 Swede, providing competition for his signature.
Neither update reveals how much Excelsior are set to demand for their star defender, though, or whether any of the three interested parties are prepared to make an offer for him. Widell, who recently extended his contract with Excelsior until 2027, has been a standout performer and even captained the side during the 2025/26 campaign.
Rangers signing Casper Widell would be bad news for John Souttar
Djiga returning to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of his loan spell this summer looked set to open the door for Souttar to return to the starting line-up alongside Fernandez next season.
The signing of Widell, should Rangers get a deal done for the Swedish star, would quickly put an end to that idea because he looks like he would be an even better option for Röhl at the heart of the defence.
His form for Excelsior in the Dutch top-flight suggests that he has more to offer to the Scottish giants than Souttar, who struggled in the Premiership for the Gers.
25/26
Widell (Eredivisie)
Souttar (Premiership)
Appearances
34
24
Tackles + interceptions per game
1.9
1.4
Clearances per game
7.3
6.2
Blocks per game
0.9
0.6
Duels won per game
4.9
4.5
Error led to shot or goal
1
2
Widell’s performances in the Eredivisie indicate that he would be more effective at cutting out opposition attacks to protect Jack Butland’s goal, as his numbers dwarf Souttar’s in a host of key defensive metrics.
He also made half as many crucial defensive errors as the Scottish centre-back, who made himself a liability at the back for Röhl with his mistakes in the Premiership.
Rangers conceded ten goals in Souttar’s last five starts in the Premiership this season, conceding two goals in all five matches, and they cannot expect to win the league title with a defensive record like that.
Röhl needs better options in defence who can help the team to keep more clean sheets so that the Light Blues can have a good chance of winning the division next term, and Widell’s statistics suggest that he would be more likely to help the defence than Souttar.
Widell profile: A modern centre-back with leadership qualities
Standing at 6ft 3in (192cm), Casper Widell is a commanding presence at the back. Born on May 5, 2003, in Landskrona, Sweden, the 23-year-old has developed rapidly since joining Excelsior from Helsingborgs IF in 2023. He has already racked up nearly 100 league appearances for the Dutch club and has shown maturity beyond his years by captaining the side.
Widell is comfortable on the ball, strong in the air, and possesses good positional awareness — qualities that align well with Danny Röhl’s tactical preferences for a structured, high-pressing defensive unit. His ability to win duels consistently (around 61% success rate in recent seasons) makes him a reliable partner for the more ball-playing Emmanuel Fernandez.
Reports suggest Widell sees a move to Rangers as a “dream” opportunity to test himself at a bigger club with European ambitions. With interest from England too, Rangers will need to act decisively if they want to secure his signature.
Souttar’s situation at Ibrox
John Souttar signed a contract extension in February 2026, keeping him at Rangers until at least May 2027, with the club holding an option for a further year. The Scotland international has been a solid servant since arriving from Hearts in 2022, making over 125 appearances.
However, his form has been inconsistent. Frequent errors and a loss of starting place have raised questions about his long-term role. While his experience and leadership are assets, the addition of quality competition could push him down the pecking order.
Souttar remains committed to the club, but limited minutes next season could test his patience, especially as he approaches his prime years at 29/30.
Rangers’ defensive rebuild under Danny Röhl
Danny Röhl was appointed Rangers manager in late 2025 and has been tasked with rebuilding a competitive squad capable of challenging for the title. After a disappointing third-place finish, strengthening the defence is a priority.
With James Tavernier’s departure creating space at the back and loans expiring, Röhl is targeting leaders who can improve the team’s organisation and clean sheet record. Widell fits the profile of a young, hungry defender who can grow with the team.
Potential partnerships between Widell, Fernandez, and possibly other new signings could give Rangers the solidity needed for domestic and European success. The club’s recruitment team, backed by the 49ers ownership, appears ready for a busy summer window.
What this means for Rangers fans and the squad
Bringing in Casper Widell would signal clear intent from the board and manager to address defensive frailties. Fans have been vocal about the need for reinforcements after shipping too many goals in key matches.
For Souttar, this interest represents increased competition rather than an immediate exit. With his new contract, he has the chance to fight for his place, but he must improve consistency to regain Röhl’s trust.
Overall, this potential signing highlights Rangers’ ambition to build a more balanced and robust squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. If the deal materialises, it could be one of the shrewdest pieces of business in the summer window.
Glasgow Rangers supporters will have been particularly pleased with how Scotland’s international friendly game against Curaçao went on Saturday.
Lawrence Shankland officially completed his move to the Light Blues from Hearts recently and he celebrated his move to Ibrox by scoring two goals for his country in the 4-1 win.
The former Jam Tarts captain also scored 16 goals in the Scottish Premiership this season and will be hoping to bring his goalscoring quality over to Glasgow next term.
There was also a first international goal for young academy graduate Findlay Curtis, who is set to return to Rangers this summer after his loan spell with Kilmarnock.
One Gers player who did not impress against Curaçao, though, was central defender John Souttar, who was caught out for the opener from Tahith Chong and substituted at half-time.
The Light Blues centre-back lost his place to Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga at the end of the Premiership campaign and his performance for Scotland suggests that a change in scenery has done little to help his form.
Now, Danny Röhl and the recruitment team are reportedly looking at a player who could come through the door and further limit Souttar’s chances of getting on the pitch next term.
According to reporter Chris Jack, Glasgow Rangers are eyeing up a deal to sign Excelsior central defender Casper Widell in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The journalist claims that the Gers are considering a move to bring the 23-year-old centre-back to Ibrox to bolster Röhl’s options at the heart of the defence.
Meanwhile, reports in Sweden suggest that English Championship teams Blackburn Rovers and Derby County are also keen on a move for the 6 foot 3 Swede, providing competition for his signature.
Neither update reveals how much Excelsior are set to demand for their star defender, though, or whether any of the three interested parties are prepared to make an offer for him. Widell, who recently extended his contract with Excelsior until 2027, has been a standout performer and even captained the side during the 2025/26 campaign.
