'I always preferred blue' - Ex Rangers title-winner crosses city divide in controversial transfer to arch rivals
A key member of Steven Gerrard’s 2021 title-winning squad has finalised a controversial summer transfer
Former Rangers title-wining defender Connor Goldson has completed a surprising move across the Cypriot city of Limassol in a controversial transfer which sees him trade the green and white stripes of Aris for the blue and white of Apollon.
The vastly experienced centre-back departed Aris Limassol by mutual consent on Friday and has now joined their fierce rivals on a two-year contract until May 2028.
Goldson made 62 appearances for Aris and helped them to a runners-up finish in the 2024/25 campaign. He was joined on the Mediterranean Island by ex-Ibrox team mates Leon Balogun and Ross McCausland last term and was also named in the Cyprus League ‘Team of the Season’.
After confirmation of the switch, Apollon highlighted the 33-year-old Englishman’s impressive leadership skills and ‘extensive experience’ as a key factor in their decision to sign him and are expecting the Goldson to play an integral role in the upcoming campaign.
A club statement read: “We welcome Connor Goldson to the Apollon family and wish him every success with the blue and white jersey.”
Reacting to the club’s signing announcement on social media, the former Brighton man jokingly declared on his Instagram story “Always preferred blue” as he aimed a dig at Aris.
During his time at Rangers, Goldson played over 300 games and scored 23 goals for the club. He was a massive part of Steven Gerrard’s 2020/21 Scottish Premiership title-winning squad, and also won a Scottish Cup and League Cup in addition to starting the 2022 Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville.
Why has Connor Goldson joined Apollon Limassol?
Explaining why he was sold on Apollon’s long-term project, Goldson told the club’s website: “I am very happy and excited. Everything happened very quickly and I am happy that the transfer is complete and I can now start this new chapter in my career.
“My family is happy in Limassol and I wanted to stay here. At the same time, I followed the club’s progress in recent months with the new coach and it was something that excited me. There were discussions with other clubs, but in the end, my family and I chose Apollon.
“I believed in what the club is trying to build, in the project, in the facilities and in the people of the team. At this stage of my career, there are things more important than money. The discussions were very positive. The club showed interest so early on and clearly outlined its plan and ambitions to me. I saw that Apollon has changed direction and wants to continue to evolve and progress. This played an important role in my decision.”