Rangers Target Jayden Meghoma to Replace Jefte as Transfer Looms

Rangers manager Russell Martin has confirmed his interest in signing Brentford left-back Jayden Meghoma as he seeks a replacement for the departing Brazilian defender Jefte. This move comes in response to Martin’s dissatisfaction with his team’s defensive performance during a recent match, where Rangers secured a 4-2 victory over League One side Alloa in the Premier Sports Cup.

The 19-year-old Meghoma, who previously trained with Rangers during his youth, is seen as a suitable candidate to bolster the team’s defense. Martin stated, “Jefte is maybe not going to be here moving forward because it’s a good deal for him and the club.” He added that discussions regarding Jefte’s potential transfer to Palmeiras are ongoing, emphasizing the need for the club to be prepared for the change.

Martin Praises Meghoma’s Talent and Experience

Martin expressed confidence in Meghoma’s abilities, noting his experience with England’s youth teams and his successful loan spell in the Championship last season. “Jayden is a player we know from Southampton. He spent a year with us as a young boy, training every day, and he understands the work,” Martin said. He highlighted Meghoma’s impressive background, mentioning that Brentford acquired him for a significant fee for a teenager.

The manager reflected on the recent match against Alloa, stating, “I think I saw some really good bits and some stuff that I didn’t like.” He acknowledged that making ten changes to the lineup inevitably affected performance, but he recognized the importance of scoring four goals, despite conceding two.

Additionally, players Mikey Moore and Thelo Aasgaard made their debuts, while Hamza Igamane returned from injury. Martin clarified that Igamane is not yet ready to start in the upcoming Champions League play-off against Brugge. He praised Igamane’s energy on the field, stating, “He can do things that other players can’t.”

Alloa’s Performance and Future Aspirations

Alloa’s manager, Andy Graham, expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the loss. He noted, “We dug in at times but we also played and passed the ball under pressure.” Graham acknowledged that the team had opportunities to tighten the score, particularly when the match was at 3-2 in the final minutes.

As Rangers look to strengthen their squad ahead of the Champions League, the potential acquisition of Meghoma would mark a significant step in addressing their defensive needs. The next few days could see crucial developments regarding Jefte’s future and the club’s transfer strategy.