If a recent transfer update from journalist  Pete O’Rourke is accurate, Rangers could reignite interest in Casper Widell despite pulling the plug on a potential summer swoop. John Souttar’s failed move to AEK Athens prevented them from pursuing a £2m deal for the Excelsior centre-back, but they might return for him when the window reopens in winter.

The 23-year-old former Sweden youth international progressed through IK Wormo and Helsingborgs IF’s academy ranks back home before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad in 2020. He went on to feature 61 times for them across the top two divisions and eventually completed a €175k switch to Excelsior in 2023.

Similar to Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, Widell suffered relegation in his maiden season for the Eredivisie outfit. But guided them to an immediate top-flight promotion after being elected as club skipper. With 113 appearances across competitions, the youngster has proven his worth in deep defence. Nevertheless, his current deal expires next summer, thus alerting his suitors, including the Light Blues, who could attempt a cut-price transfer in January.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Olwethu Makhanya of Rangers in possession of the ball under pressure from Benjamin Nygren of Celtic during the Premier Sports Cup Quarter Final match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rangers have snapped up Ben Godfrey and Olwethu Makhanya to bolster the backline as part of their squad revamp. Primarily the first choice, Godfrey lost his starting spot to Makhanya, who capitalised on his opportunities after the Atalanta loanee was sidelined with an injury. Emmanuel Fernandez has cemented his place since joining them from Peterborough United ahead of the 2025-26 campaign; however, Souttar does not seem to be in Derek McInnes’ plans, having been frozen out of the matchday squad. He is expected to depart in the winter window, paving the way for the Gers to restore parity by securing the services of the Swedish ace.

Widell’s strong physique helps him dominate in the air, winning defensive headers and attacking set-pieces. His awareness at the back, tight tracking, timely blocks and interceptions would see him attune to the aggression and physicality of Scottish football. Although he struggles at times against fast transitions and ground-level 1v1 tackling, Rangers value his sky-high ceiling, given his well-rounded traits.

The absence of European football could prove to be a blessing in disguise for McInnes, who must now focus on domestic glory after back-to-back Old Firm victories before the international break. They are just two points behind league leaders Celtic, recovering from a disastrous start to their season, and the arrival of Widell should bolster their defence, similar to what Kevin Kelsy has injected up top amid Youssef Chermiti and Lawrence Shankland’s long-term fitness woes.