Rangers Football Club has officially announced the signing of Max Aarons, the 25-year-old right-back, on a season-long loan deal from AFC Bournemouth, marking the club's third summer acquisition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. This move, confirmed on June 25, 2025, comes as new head coach Russell Martin continues to shape his squad ahead of crucial Champions League qualifiers against Panathinaikos next month.
Aarons, who previously played under Martin at Norwich City, brings a wealth of experience despite his relatively young age. Having made over 200 appearances for Norwich City across five years and contributing to two English Championship title-winning campaigns, Aarons has established himself as a dependable full-back. His journey took him to Bournemouth in 2023 for a reported £7 million transfer, where he played a key role in helping the Cherries set a new Premier League points record.
However, Aarons' recent seasons have been mixed. After a promising 2023-24 season with Bournemouth, where he made 20 appearances and started 13 games, injuries and competition limited his time on the pitch last term. He played only four times for Bournemouth before spending the latter half of the season on loan at La Liga side Valencia, making four appearances. Valencia, who finished 12th in Spain’s top flight, opted not to exercise a purchase option, leading to Aarons' return to Bournemouth and subsequent loan to Rangers.
The loan deal with Rangers notably does not include an option to buy, meaning Aarons will return to Bournemouth after the season. This arrangement reflects the club’s strategic approach as they aim to bolster their squad depth without long-term commitments just yet.
For Rangers, Aarons offers versatility and competition at right-back, a position currently held by captain James Tavernier. With the absence of injured Dujon Sterling, Aarons is expected to challenge for a starting role and bring fresh energy to the defensive line. His ability to play on either side of the defense adds valuable tactical flexibility for Martin’s squad.
Speaking shortly after his signing, Aarons expressed enthusiasm for his new challenge at Ibrox. “I am delighted to be here, as you can see it’s a huge club and you realise that when you walk through the doors, I can’t wait to get going,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of experience now in different leagues and I have played a lot of games. I think I can bring that experience, I can bring a new energy, and I think Rangers fans can be excited – I am really looking forward to it.”
His excitement is matched by his respect and gratitude toward Martin, who played a pivotal role in his early development. Aarons recalled how Martin and his assistant Matt Gill were instrumental during his formative years at Norwich City, providing guidance and believing in his potential. “They were huge in that,” Aarons remarked. “Having that relationship with a coach and knowing how they work is huge for any player.” This reunion at Rangers is more than just a professional move; it’s a chance for Aarons to repay the faith shown in him by his former coach.
Martin, meanwhile, welcomed Aarons warmly, highlighting the player’s talent and hunger for improvement. “Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging through the youth ranks while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player,” Martin said. “He is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side. We are pleased to bring him on board for this season, and I believe he will be a fantastic addition to the squad.”
Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell also voiced optimism about Aarons' impact. “We are delighted to bring Max to Rangers on a season-long loan. He is a player who has been on the radar of many clubs in recent years and, at only 25, he has experienced a lot in the game while also having plenty of room for development. We are excited for Max to join up with the squad for pre-season and believe he will be an important asset for the team in this upcoming campaign.”
Despite receiving interest from clubs in the English Premier League and Championship, Aarons chose Rangers for the unique combination of the club’s stature and the opportunity to work again with Martin and Gill. The player acknowledged the pull of the club and the chance to play in front of passionate supporters. “I was speaking with a family member and I said ‘that pressure of playing for a club of this size really excites me’. I feel like I play my best when I have that,” he shared.
Rangers fans can anticipate seeing Aarons bring his dynamic style to the Scottish Premiership. In the 2023-24 Premier League season, he ranked highly for successful dribbles and fouls won, while also showing positive tackle success and duel success rates. Although his aerial duel success and pass accuracy were on the lower side, his defensive contributions, particularly successful tackles and possession won in the final third, compare favorably with Tavernier’s statistics.
Rangers’ 2025/26 season will kick off on August 2 at Motherwell, marking Russell Martin’s first league game in charge. This fixture will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and comes shortly after Rangers’ Champions League second qualifying round clash against Panathinaikos. The first home league game under Martin is scheduled for August 9 against Dundee, followed by a highly anticipated Old Firm derby against Celtic at Ibrox on August 31.
The season promises to be packed, with no winter break and multiple challenging fixtures, including matches against Hearts, Livingston, Falkirk, Hibernian, and Aberdeen. Rangers will face six games in December alone, underscoring the importance of squad depth and the contributions of new signings like Aarons.
As the squad continues to take shape, Rangers are also reportedly engaged in talks with Leicester defender Conor Coady and have shown interest in Peterborough defender Emmanuel Fernandez, while winger Kwame Poku is linked with a move to Queens Park Rangers.
For now, all eyes are on Aarons as he settles into life at Ibrox, ready to repay the trust of his former mentor and help Rangers compete at the highest level. With his blend of experience, youthful energy, and a clear desire to prove himself, Aarons could be a key figure in Martin’s vision for the club’s future.
