Russell Martin turns to ex Rangers star in bid to transform Leicester City's ailing fortunes as free transfer close

John Lundstram is reportedly on the verge of joining Leicester City, with the former Rangers midfielder set to make a return to English football under ex-Ibrox boss Russell Martin.

The 32-year-old is poised to leave Trabzonspor and join the Foxes on a free transfer after the Turkish Super Lig club agreed to pay off the remainder of his contract.

The move comes after Lundstram spent last season on loan at Hull City, where he made 34 appearances and helped the Tigers secure promotion to the Premier League.

The deal represents an opportunity for the EFL League One outfit to add a player with extensive experience across the English and Scottish games, while Lundstram also brings a familiar connection to Martin’s career.

There is also a significant Rangers link to the proposed move. Lundstram spent three seasons at Ibrox after joining Rangers from Sheffield United in 2021. During his time in Glasgow, he made 152 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals. He became an important figure in the midfield and was part of the side that reached the 2022 Europa League final.

His most famous Rangers moment came during that memorable European run. Trailing RB Leipzig in their semi-final tie, Lundstram scored the decisive goal in the second leg at Ibrox to complete a 3-1 victory on the night and send the club through to the final with a 3-2 aggregate win.

That goal remains one of the defining moments of Lundstram’s career and helped establish his status among Rangers supporters, despite the mixed opinions that surrounded some of his performances during his spell at the club.

Lundstram preparing for return to English football

Lundstram eventually left Rangers in 2024 to join Trabzonspor. He has since continued to build on his experience, while his temporary stint at Hull demonstrated that he remains capable of operating effectively in the English game.

Now, Martin is looking to make use of that experience at Leicester. He knows the demands of English football and will be hoping Lundstram can provide greater depth and composure in the middle of the park. His ability to play in a deeper role, compete physically and contribute defensively gives Martin another experienced option in the centre of the pitch.

The signing also makes sense given Leicester’s current circumstances. The club are attempting to rebuild following relegation from the Championship last season and have endured a difficult opening to the campaign.

Lundstram’s latest transfer will offer another reason for Rangers fans to keep an eye on his progress as he prepares for another chapter back in England.

For Martin and Leicester, the hope will be that the midfielder’s experience can help provide the consistency and leadership required to push the Foxes back towards the Championship.

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