Meghoma Debuts as Jefte Omitted in Rangers Clash with Club Brugge

Rangers confirm Jefte is left out of the squad for the Champions League play-off with Club Brugge as Meghoma prepares for a possible debut.

Meghoma Debuts as Jefte Omitted in Rangers Clash with Club Brugge

Rangers have left Jefte out of their squad for the Champions League play-off with Club Brugge. The first leg is at Ibrox on Tuesday, with the return in Belgium next week. Meghoma, the 19 year old Brentford loanee, has been named in the squad and could make his Rangers debut during the tie. Jefte arrived last summer from Fluminense for around £800,000 and was the first choice at left back for much of last season, but inconsistent moments and a costly lapse in the build up to Viktoria Plzen's goal helped fuel doubts among supporters. Rangers are reported to be close to selling Jefte to Palmeiras for about £6 million, a sale that would bring funds but thin out a key position. Ridvan Yilmaz’s situation at left back remains unsettled, with Besiktas pushing, possibly opening a path for Meghoma or Max Aarons if needed. Thelo Aasgaard and Mikey Moore are included in the squad as new options, reflecting a broader influx of youth as Rangers prepare for a busy European campaign. Nedim Bajrami is notably absent as the window closes. The decision on who starts at left back will hinge on fitness, with Meghoma potentially used later in the game and Aarons shifting across if required. James Tavernier is expected to captain the side again, providing leadership on a night of high stakes.

Rangers face a delicate balance between trimming costs and preserving depth. Meghoma’s inclusion signals a willingness to trust academy-style mobility in Europe, but selling Jefte would leave the left-back position thinner than ideal. A £6m transfer would ease the wage sheet and fund future moves, yet it invites questions about long-term planning and recruitment pace. If Ridvan Yilmaz leaves, the club risks over-reliance on Tavernier and a narrow tactical toolkit on the flank. The move also tests fan expectations about stability versus regeneration, a common theme in mid window for clubs juggling European ambition with financial discipline.

Highlights

The coming weeks will show if Rangers can translate market moves into on-pitch stability.