Rangers fans have something new to cheer about as the club announced the high-profile signing of Danish midfielder Tochi Chukwuani from Austrian champions Sturm Graz, marking the first arrival of the Danny Röhl era at Ibrox. The move, finalized on January 11, 2026, sees the 22-year-old join the Light Blues on a three-and-a-half-year contract, with a transfer fee reported to be north of £4 million. Subject to international clearance and a work permit, Chukwuani is expected to bolster a midfield department in desperate need of depth, especially with Connor Barron sidelined for up to eight weeks.
Chukwuani’s journey through European football has been nothing short of remarkable. A product of the FC Nordsjælland academy, he made his senior debut at just 16, quickly etching his name into the record books as the club’s youngest-ever league goalscorer. “I would call myself an all-around midfielder. I wouldn’t classify myself as a number 10 or 8 or 6 – I can play in each of these three positions,” Chukwuani told Rangers TV after completing his move. That versatility will surely excite supporters eager for a dynamic presence in the heart of the pitch.
His early years saw him play alongside current Rangers teammates Mohamed Diomande and Oliver Antman, forging connections that would later help cement his decision to join the club. After a successful stint at Lyngby, where he made over 50 appearances and scored five goals, Chukwuani moved to Sturm Graz in the summer of 2024. There, he made 27 league appearances, scored three goals, and was instrumental in helping the club lift the Austrian Bundesliga title. He also sampled UEFA Champions League football for the first time, adding elite-level experience to his résumé.
Internationally, Chukwuani has been a mainstay for Denmark at all youth levels, racking up 20 Under-21 caps and captaining his country at the Under-21 European Championships. His technical and physical attributes have been lauded by new head coach Danny Röhl, who said, “We are really excited to bring Tochi to the club. He is a player who strengthens our group and offers specific qualities that we believe will enhance our midfield department. With experience of European competition and winning titles, as well as his technical and physical attributes, he knows exactly what is required to thrive at a club like Rangers.”
Chukwuani’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time for Rangers. With Barron out injured and the team battling for supremacy in the Scottish Premiership, the need for a robust and versatile midfielder had become apparent. Röhl, who took charge in October 2025, identified the defensive midfield role as a priority area and moved swiftly to secure Chukwuani’s signature. Recruitment specialist Robbie Thelwell had been tracking the Dane’s progress for some time, and the club’s technical director Dan Purdy led negotiations to seal the deal.
The midfielder’s own words reveal just how much the move means to him. “I’m super excited, finally getting the green light to come here,” Chukwuani said. “Obviously, Rangers is a huge club, and I can’t wait to hear the roar inside Ibrox. It’s a historic club, obviously a huge fan base, huge expectations, and this is something, as a footballer, that you want to play for. This gives more motivation to go every weekend and give 100 percent and do what you can to put a smile on a lot of people’s faces.”
Chukwuani is well aware of the legacy he is stepping into, referencing club legends like Paul Gascoigne and Brian Laudrup. “I knew it’s the greatest club in Scotland, and a lot of huge players have played here – [Paul] Gascoigne, Brian Laudrup, I can go on. It’s a club where there’s a lot of history, loads of pressure as well, which is lovely. It’s a fantastic place.”
On the pitch, Chukwuani is known for his strong, physical presence and technical ability. Standing at 6ft 2in, he’s a tough tackler with the pace to match, often dictating play from deep while also relishing the opportunity to win the ball back and launch forward attacks. “I’m a strong, physical guy, very good on the ball. I like to dictate play, and I also love tackling and getting the ball back so we can play forward again. I like to play forward football – that’s my play style.”
His experience in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable for Rangers’ title ambitions. Reflecting on his time with Sturm Graz, Chukwuani said, “I learned how much it really takes to win a title. It’s each training session, even off the pitch, how you prepare yourself for the next day, just to get that one per cent better. Playing the last game in front of the fans, with the pressure – that’s when you really understand what it takes. I think I will try to take that here and hopefully we can replicate that at Rangers.”
There is an element of footballing irony in Chukwuani’s story. Earlier this season, he faced Rangers in the UEFA Europa League as a Sturm Graz player, helping his side to a 2-1 victory in Austria. Just weeks later, he was sent off for a late challenge on Celtic captain Callum McGregor during a Europa League clash at Celtic Park. “That’s how football goes fast,” he laughed. “We beat Rangers in the Europa League, but I could already feel how big of a club Rangers is.”
Conversations with former teammates Diomande and Antman helped Chukwuani understand the magnitude of the club he was about to join. “When I spoke with Antman and Diomande, I could really understand what Rangers is really about – why they say, ‘We are the people.’”
Looking ahead, Chukwuani is expected to be included in the matchday squad for today’s crucial away fixture against Aberdeen at Pittodrie. His debut could come even sooner, with a potential first appearance at home to Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup on January 16. Rangers are also close to announcing the signing of Belgian Under-21 captain Tuur Rommens from Westerlo and are actively pursuing Sunderland duo Dan Neil and Romaine Mundle as manager Röhl looks to further strengthen his squad for the challenges ahead.
For Rangers, the capture of Tochi Chukwuani represents not just a solution to an immediate problem, but a statement of intent as they chase silverware on multiple fronts. As the January window heats up, all eyes will be on Ibrox to see how the new recruit settles in and what impact he can make as the season enters its defining stretch.
