Rangers set to battle Blackburn Rovers and Derby County for leader this transfer window as 'interest' emerges
Blackburn Rovers and Derby County are said to be offering transfer competition to Rangers in search of defensive reinforcement.
Rangers are reportedly set to lock horns with English Championship duo Blackburn Rovers and Derby County over a defensive leader from Sweden.
Casper Widell has been at Excelsior Rotterdam since 2023 after time with Helsingborgs IF in his native Sweden. He has captained them during the 25/26 Eredivisie season, turning 23 earlier this month, and has now attracted transfer interest. Widell only signed an extension in Rotterdam until 2027 in February but Expressen over in Sweden state Rangers have their sights on him.
He is set for a summer switch with Blackburn Rovers - currently without a manager - and Derby County offering routes in England. All three parties are said to be ready to move on the captain in Rotterdam.
Will Rangers sign Casper Widell this summer?
It’s stated: “Casper Widell can leave Excelsior Rotterdam this summer. According to Expressen's British sources, Glasgow Rangers want to sign Widell - who also has interest from Derby and Blackburn Rovers. After a strong season in the club team, the Swedish defender can make a club change in the upcoming summer window where several clubs want to sign the 23-year-old.
“According to Expressen's British sources, the classic and historic club Glasgow Rangers wants to sign Casper Widell, where they have registered interest in the player. Derby and Blackburn Rovers from the Championship are also following the Swede's situation at Excelsior and are ready to act this summer. Casper Widell's contract with the Dutch club extends until the summer of 2027.”
Widell said of his contract extension earlier this year: “I am very happy at Excelsior and really live the Excelsior way. I have developed significantly here and have gotten to know the club better and better. Especially over the last two years, you can see that Excelsior is heading in a clear direction.”
What has Casper Widell said of a contract extension with Excelsior Rotterdam?
“I have received so much here. The way I have been treated here from day one means this club is in my heart. That is why it wouldn’t feel right to me to just leave for free. If a next step ever comes along, I want Excelsior to benefit from it as well. Tactically, I have made great strides.
“I have started viewing, analysing, and discussing the game differently. In addition, my leadership has grown. That was always inside me, but at Excelsior I have really been able to develop it further. You spend a large part of your time here and build real relationships. People here know me not only as a player, but also as a person. That suits me, because I am a family man.
“Together with the supporters, we brought the club back to the level where it belongs. This is a club that takes care of players, as long as you do the right things yourself and follow the culture. Whether you come from the youth academy, the Netherlands, Sweden, or somewhere else: here you get the chance to develop yourself and advance in your career.”
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