Rangers have accepted a transfer offer from FC Twente for Robin Propper, with the Dutch defender now expected to return to his former club just a year after arriving at Ibrox.
Russell Martin confirmed the news during a press conference at the club’s pre-season base in Burton, stating that it’s now up to Propper to decide whether to accept the move and agree personal terms.
We accepted a bid from [FC Twente], so I think it’s just a case of Robin deciding if that’s what he wants and agreeing on personal terms,” Martin explained. I’ve been really impressed with him as a guy, but we’ve signed some centre-halves, so it’s going to be difficult for him to play football. If it happens, it’s a good move for him.
Russell Martin, Heach Coach, Rangers Football Club
The 31-year-old centre-back was left out of Rangers’ travelling pre-season squad alongside Leon King, Clinton Nsiala, Ben Davies and José Cifuentes — a strong indicator that he was not in Martin’s plans for the season ahead.
Propper had rejoined Martin’s squad for the start of summer training, but the writing has been on the wall for some time. With Rangers adding Emmanuel Fernandez from Peterborough and Nasser Djiga on loan from Wolves, plus John Souttar still in the frame, Propper’s path to regular minutes has narrowed considerably.
A Move That Makes Sense
Propper arrived at Ibrox last summer with high hopes and a decent pedigree, having captained FC Twente in the Eredivisie. But his first season in Glasgow never quite got going. While sometimes technically sound and composed in possession, his lack of pace and physicality were clear issues in a Rangers defence that too often looked soft and disorganised.
The recent pre-season friendly against Club Brugge only confirmed what many fans had feared — both Propper and fellow defender Leon King looked well off the pace, struggling to cope with the movement and intensity of the Belgian side. For many supporters, it was the final confirmation that neither player looked equipped to play a part in the rebuild under Russell Martin.
What This Means for Rangers
With Propper likely departing, Russell Martin’s defensive overhaul continues. The manager is clearly putting his stamp on the squad, favouring younger, more athletic defenders who can handle his style of play. Djiga and Fernandez fit that mould, and Souttar remains the most experienced of the group still training with the first team.
Martin is building a team that plays out from the back with purpose — fast, vertical passing, progressive play and defenders with quick recovery pace. These are traits Propper struggled to deliver, and it’s no surprise he finds himself surplus to requirements under a new manager with a clearly defined vision.
Despite recent additions, it still feels likely that Rangers will pursue another experienced centre-back to steady the line. The long-running pursuit of Conor Coady remains unresolved, with reports suggesting Leicester City may have moved the goalposts after what initially seemed like an agreed deal. Rangers appear to be holding firm, but Martin will be keen to add leadership and a proven voice at the back before the season gets underway.
Attention may also soon turn to the left-back position, with Ridvan Yilmaz widely tipped for a move back to Turkey. Should that deal progress, expect Rangers to act swiftly to replace him — with Martin clearly determined to reshape the back line to suit his pressing, high-tempo system.
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