Rangers are stirring up the summer transfer scene with a tantalizing prospect: the potential signing of veteran striker Jamie Vardy. The 38-year-old former Leicester City and England forward has been the subject of intense speculation following his departure from the Foxes at the end of last season. With his proposed move to Italian side Genoa reportedly falling through, and Rangers manager Russell Martin refusing to rule out a switch to Ibrox, the football world is watching closely as the Scottish giants look to bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign.
On July 6, 2025, Rangers played out a thrilling 2-2 pre-season friendly draw against Belgian champions Club Brugge at Ibrox. The match offered a glimpse into the evolving squad under Martin, who has already overseen the addition of five new players this summer. However, the manager remained tight-lipped when directly asked about Vardy’s potential arrival, stating, "I think I’ve been asked about so many players. Some miles away, some on the money. So basically, I’m not going to give you an answer on that. But I guess you’ll find out who’s real and who’s not in the next few weeks." This coy yet telling response has only fueled the rumors surrounding Vardy’s future.
Jamie Vardy’s credentials speak volumes. Over a remarkable 13-year spell at Leicester City, he amassed exactly 200 goals in 500 appearances, a tally that cements him as a club legend. His trophy cabinet boasts two Premier League Golden Boot awards, a Premier League title from the unforgettable 2015-16 season, two promotions, and an FA Cup winner’s medal. Despite scoring nine Premier League goals last season, Vardy was unable to prevent Leicester’s relegation to the Championship, and he left the club when his contract expired earlier this summer.
Interest in Vardy has not been limited to Rangers. Reports from Italy suggested Genoa had pursued the striker, but the move reportedly collapsed after Arsenal manager Patrick Vieira allegedly vetoed the transfer. While this claim was strongly denied, it left the door open for other suitors, with Rangers now reportedly accelerating their pursuit. Sources indicate that preliminary talks have taken place, highlighting the club’s serious intent to bring in a proven goal scorer to enhance their attacking options.
Rangers’ ambitions are clear. Last season, they finished 17 points behind arch-rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, and the new American ownership has injected fresh capital into the club. A recent £20 million share issue, with 100 million shares purchased at 20 pence each, has provided the financial muscle to back manager Russell Martin’s transfer plans. Bringing in a player of Vardy’s calibre, especially on a free transfer, would send a strong message about the club’s intent to close the gap and compete on multiple fronts, including the Champions League qualifiers.
Martin’s strategy this summer is one of both addition and subtraction. While five new players have already joined, he expects further changes in the squad composition. "I think we definitely want to do more, for sure," Martin said. "And also probably some players need to move on as well at some point because the squad’s going to start looking very big and very heavy." Among those linked with exits are strikers Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane. Dessers, last term’s top scorer, sat out the friendly against Club Brugge due to a niggly ankle injury but remains a valued member of the squad. "We turned down a bid a while ago for him. That was nowhere near the valuation of the football club," Martin confirmed. "He’s desperate to train and seems a really good professional." The Nigerian forward has attracted interest from AEK Athens, who reportedly may return with another bid, though Rangers remain firm on their valuation.
Hamza Igamane’s situation is complicated by visa issues that have prevented him from returning to Scotland from Morocco this summer. While reports link him with a move to Lille, Martin has not confirmed any such interest. "Hamza’s just been a bit of a red tape," the manager explained. "He was due back this week with the other international players, but he didn’t quite have the right visa. Things have changed since he last got his visa, so we’ve had to wait for him to get his new one, which he should have tomorrow all being well." The squad’s next big test looms with the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round tie at home to Panathinaikos set for July 22, just over two weeks away.
Defensive adjustments are also underway. Key centre-back John Souttar is recovering well from hernia surgery and has recently returned to training. Martin is optimistic about Souttar’s return to full fitness, expecting him to feature in a closed-doors friendly next weekend in England. Meanwhile, defender Clinton Nsiala is likely to leave on loan, as Martin believes the player requires game time that cannot be guaranteed at Rangers currently.
Another player attracting transfer interest is Robin Propper, who featured in the pre-season opener against Club Brugge. Dutch club Twente has set a deadline to secure the midfielder’s return, with their sports director Jan Streuer confirming Propper is one of their top summer targets. While Twente is not in a position to offer huge transfer fees, they are actively seeking reinforcements, including a commanding attacking midfielder and a quality left winger, signaling a busy window for them as well.
The potential arrival of Jamie Vardy would be a significant coup for Rangers. His experience, hunger, and goal-scoring pedigree could provide a crucial boost to a squad aiming to challenge domestically and make an impact in Europe. With the transfer window still open and several weeks before the Champions League qualifiers, the situation remains fluid. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Martin shapes his team in the coming days.
As Russell Martin aptly put it, "In a couple of weeks, so much can happen in football." The coming days promise to be a whirlwind of activity at Ibrox, with the possibility of a legendary striker donning the Rangers jersey adding an extra layer of excitement to an already eventful summer.
