Rangers Target Brentford’s Jayden Meghoma as Defensive Upgrade

Rangers are reportedly considering a move for Jayden Meghoma, a 19-year-old left-back currently with Brentford, as manager Russell Martin seeks to bolster his defensive lineup. Meghoma, who joined Brentford from Southampton last summer, has spent the latter half of the previous season on loan at Preston North End, making him a potential candidate to fill the gap left by the impending departure of Brazilian full-back Jefte.

Former Brentford coach Thomas Frank, now with Tottenham Hotspur, praised Meghoma’s talent when he was signed, stating, “Jayden is an England youth international and one of the biggest left-back talents this country has.” Frank highlighted Meghoma’s speed, one-on-one skills, and ability to cross the ball effectively, all of which make him adaptable for various defensive roles.

According to the Rangers Review, Meghoma is among the players Martin is considering to address the club’s full-back concerns. Martin is familiar with Meghoma from his time at Southampton, where the young player made four senior appearances under him. Brentford acquired Meghoma for £5 million, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons, indicating the club’s belief in his long-term potential.

As Rangers navigate this transition, Jefte’s potential exit to Palmeiras appears imminent, with the deal reportedly worth up to £6 million. This move leaves Rangers with fewer options in the full-back position, especially with Ridvan Yilmaz also set to depart for Beşiktaş, although negotiations between the clubs are ongoing.

Martin has explored using Max Aarons at left-back but has reverted to Aarons’ more familiar right-back role after initial attempts did not yield the desired results. The club is also linked with Alex Moreno of Aston Villa, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, as they look to strengthen their defensive ranks.

This strategic pursuit highlights Rangers’ proactive approach in the transfer market as they aim to enhance their squad ahead of the new season. With both Jefte and Yilmaz potentially leaving, the urgency to secure reliable full-backs becomes increasingly critical for the club’s ambitions moving forward.