Rangers Eye Jayden Meghoma as Replacement for Jefte

Rangers manager Russell Martin has confirmed the club’s interest in signing Jayden Meghoma, a left-back currently with Brentford, as he seeks to strengthen his defensive line. This move comes in light of potential departures, particularly that of Brazilian defender Jefte, who is expected to return to Brazil to join Palmeiras.

During a recent match against Alloa, which ended in a 4-2 victory for Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup, Martin expressed his dissatisfaction with the goals conceded. He stated, “Jefte is maybe not going to be here moving forward because it’s a good deal for him and the club.” He acknowledged the need for a replacement and noted the importance of being prepared for changes in the squad.

Martin has high hopes for Meghoma, who at just 19 years old has already made his mark by playing for England at various youth levels. “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 added. Meghoma, who has experience playing in the Championship after a loan spell, was acquired by Brentford for a significant fee, highlighting his potential value.

In the match against Alloa, Martin noted that the team’s makeshift lineup contributed to the defensive lapses. “I think I saw some really good bits and some stuff that I didn’t like. With guys that just haven’t played very much, when you make ten changes to the team, it’s going to disrupt something,” he explained. Despite the defensive concerns, he was pleased that the team scored four goals and felt they could have increased that tally.

New signings Mikey Moore and Thelo Aasgaard made their debuts during the match, while Hamza Igamane returned from injury. Martin emphasized that Igamane is not yet ready to start in the upcoming Champions League playoff against Brugge, stating, “I think we have to look at his physical condition. He’s literally just come back and played half an hour.”

He praised Igamane’s energy off the bench but mentioned the importance of consistency in decision-making. Martin remarked, “Sometimes he looks a bit mad… but his reaction to losing the ball was fantastic, so I don’t mind it.”

Alloa’s manager, Andy Graham, expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the loss. He acknowledged the challenges faced but noted, “We dug in at times but we also played and passed the ball under pressure.” He reflected on the moments when the game could have shifted, particularly when the score was 3-2 late in the match.

As Rangers prepare for their next challenges, the potential addition of Meghoma could play a crucial role in solidifying their defense moving forward.