Rangers miss Doyle as Wrexham seal 8m move

Rangers pursued Callum Doyle but a deal with Wrexham has been agreed, ending Rangers' bid.

Rangers miss Doyle as Wrexham seal 8m move

Rangers identified Callum Doyle, a 21-year-old defender from Manchester City, as a potential addition. Manager Russell Martin valued his versatility to cover both centre-back and left-back, a trait Rangers needed as they evaluated options in defence.

However, Doyle preferred a move to Wrexham, and an 8 million pound deal was agreed with the newly promoted club. Rangers were priced out, unless a loan could be arranged. The departure of Jefte to Palmeiras has intensified the left-back need, and the club will now reassess targets, with Max Aarons and John Souttar mentioned as possible alternatives. Time is tight as the transfer window closes.

This miss exposes Rangers’ balancing act between budget discipline and immediate on-pitch needs. Doyle would have given them a flexible defender who can cover multiple roles, a useful asset in a squad with rotation demands and a thin left-back pool. The decision to push back on the price tag signals a broader constraint on short-term signings, which could pressure Martin to pivot toward cheaper, riskier options or loans. Wrexham’s new-market momentum adds a layer of market pressure that clubs with deeper pockets may soon exploit. Rangers now face a delicate task: fill key holes quickly while protecting long-term financial health.

Highlights

The window still holds renewal opportunities, but plans must adapt quickly.