The January transfer window has burst into life for Rangers, who are now firmly in the spotlight as they chase BK Hacken’s highly-rated midfielder Silas Andersen. With manager Danny Rohl at the helm and the club’s US owners backing his ambitious plans, the Glasgow giants are making significant moves in the market—moves that could shape their title challenge and the very core of their midfield for years to come.
Rangers’ pursuit of Andersen is no secret. The 21-year-old Danish midfielder has been identified as the club’s top target this month, and the Ibrox board isn’t hiding their intent. After a transformative few months under Rohl, which included a statement 3-1 win over Celtic at Parkhead, Rangers have clawed their way back into the Scottish Premiership title race. The team now sits just six points behind league leaders Hearts with half the season left to play. The sense of momentum is palpable, and the club’s transfer strategy reflects it.
According to multiple sources, Rangers have already made contact with BK Hacken and Andersen’s representatives. Talks are ongoing, and while other clubs—notably Celtic—are circling, it’s the Light Blues who are currently leading the race. Journalist Valdemar Ahlquist confirmed, “Rangers are leading the race to sign highly-rated Hacken midfielder Silas Andersen.” The club’s approach is aggressive and clear: they want Andersen in blue, and they want him now.
Andersen’s reputation precedes him. Standing at 6ft 3in, he’s not just a physical presence but a player whose technical abilities make him one of the most coveted young midfielders in Scandinavia. Capable of playing as a central midfielder or dropping into the centre-back role when needed, his versatility is matched by his intelligence on the ball. Last season in the Swedish Allsvenskan, Andersen was a standout performer—his stats speak volumes: 91.5 touches per game, 61.5 accurate passes per match at an 87% completion rate, 3.2 tackles, and 7.0 ball recoveries per game. He even averaged a key pass every match, underlining his ability to influence play both defensively and offensively.
BK Hacken’s sporting director Martin Ericsson has made it crystal clear that Andersen won’t be leaving on the cheap. “He is a very important and high-profile player for us, so of course something special is needed,” Ericsson told reporters, underlining just how highly the Swedes value their young star. Andersen is under contract until June 2028, having joined Hacken from Dutch side Utrecht in January 2025 on a four-year deal. His performances have not only caught the eye of Rangers, but also of rival clubs, including Celtic, FC Copenhagen, and even English side Nottingham Forest, who saw a move blocked last summer.
It’s not just about numbers with Andersen. His style of play has drawn comparisons to deep-lying playmakers, with a knack for breaking up opposition attacks and dictating the tempo from deep. Rangers’ need for such a profile has only grown more acute after the failed experiment with Joe Rothwell, who was brought in last summer but has since fallen out of favor. As one source put it, “That experiment has failed miserably, and now he is not even in Rohl’s plans for the rest of his tenure.” The club is seeking a major upgrade, and Andersen fits the bill perfectly.
The transfer chase comes amid a broader overhaul at Ibrox. Manager Danny Rohl, who replaced Russell Martin in October 2025 after a disastrous start to the season, is orchestrating a squad shake-up with the backing of US owners Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises. Reports suggest up to six players could be sold this month to fund new arrivals. Youngster Lyall Cameron may be allowed to leave on loan, freeing up space in the midfield engine room for fresh talent.
But Andersen isn’t the only name in the mix. Rangers have also shown interest in bringing back Joe Aribo, who became a fan favorite after scoring in the Europa League Final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt. Aribo, now 29, has struggled for regular game time at Southampton following their relegation from the Premier League. The door remains open for his return, and his story is a reminder of the emotional connection between club and player. Southampton boss Tom Eckert recently commented, “In the end, I think every player needs to be looked at individually. There is a story for every player that started way before I came in. For every single one, we need to decide on what is best for the club, which always comes first, and what is best for the player, the group, and come to a decision for all three.”
Another target, former Hearts defender James Penrice, appears out of reach for now. After leaving Tynecastle for AEK Athens in the summer, Penrice has become a regular for the Greek side. Despite contact between the clubs, AEK have been unequivocal: they “will not enter into discussions over a sale” for such a “valuable member of the squad.”
Back to Andersen, the financials of the deal are a hot topic. While players from Sweden’s top flight are usually affordable, the heightened competition for Andersen’s signature and his lengthy contract mean Hacken will drive a hard bargain. Yet, with Rangers potentially recouping funds from player sales and the possibility of a modest price compared to what they might fetch for in-demand stars like Nicolas Raskin, the move could make sense on and off the pitch. Andersen is seen as a potential replacement for Raskin, whose future at Ibrox is uncertain.
It’s a fascinating time for Rangers fans. The club’s ambition is clear, the transfer activity is heating up, and the potential arrival of Silas Andersen could signal a new era in the heart of the midfield. The Dane’s blend of physicality, vision, and technical skill would provide Rohl with a player capable of thriving in the demanding environment of Scottish football—and perhaps even help tip the title race in Rangers’ favor.
With talks ongoing and the January window far from over, all eyes remain on Ibrox. Will Rangers land their top target and continue their resurgence under Danny Rohl? The next few weeks promise plenty of intrigue—and possibly, a blockbuster signing that could define the club’s fortunes for seasons to come.
