Russell Martin has confirmed that Rangers are exploring a move for Jayden Meghoma, with the Southampton academy graduate tipped to join on loan. The highly-rated 19-year-old defender is a player Martin knows well from his Saints days and could soon be on his way to Ibrox.
When asked about the possibility of adding Jayden Meghoma to his squad, Russell Martin was careful not to describe any signing as a “wild card,” but he did confirm the club’s interest. The Rangers boss spoke candidly about the situation, highlighting his familiarity with the player from their time together at Southampton and praising his potential. Here’s what he had to say:
Yeah, yeah, I’m not sure. I wouldn’t call anything we add a wild card. I don’t think we’re going to pluck anything out of nowhere. So Jeff was in yesterday, and then by yesterday evening, he’s maybe not going to be here moving forward because it’s a good deal for him and the club. So we’ll see what happens over the next couple of days with that. And so we had to be ready to replace him, and we always have been ready. So, Jaden’s a player we know from Southampton, spent a year with us as a young boy, training every day, understands the work, top talent, played for England at all the youth levels. Brentford signed him for a lot of money for a teenager, and he went on loan last year in the Championship, did really well. So he’s a player we know and like and hopefully at some point, he’ll be a Rangers player and you’ll you’ll know that when he is.
Russell Martin, Head Coach, Rangers Football Club.
Playing History & Transfer Details
- Youth career: Meghoma progressed through the Tottenham Hotspur youth system before joining Southampton in 2022 on a scholarship deal. He earned a professional contract in July 2023 and made his senior debut in the EFL Cup that summer
- Move to Brentford: On 30 August 2024, he signed a four‑year deal with Brentford, keeping him at the club until at least 2028 (with an option for two more years)
- Transfer fee: The move reportedly cost £5 million up front, with £5 million in add‑ons — a potential total of £10 million . Transfermarkt also notes the fee at €5.9 million (~£5 million)
- Loan spell: In January 2025, Meghoma headed out on loan to Preston North End in the Championship, where he made 12 appearances across league and cup before returning to Brentford
What Rangers Can Expect
Meghoma is the type of modern full-back that Russell Martin wants in his system. Strong defensively, he showed in the Championship that he can win duels, make interceptions, and contribute almost nine successful defensive actions per ninety minutes. At the same time, his attacking qualities shouldn’t be overlooked. His data highlights excellent long-ball accuracy and an ability to beat his man in one-on-one situations, ranking among the best in his position for dribble success.
At just 19, there is still plenty of development ahead, but that also means Rangers would be getting a player with huge growth potential. He already has the benefit of having worked under Martin at Southampton, which should make the tactical transition to Ibrox far smoother. Rangers fans can expect a defender with real energy, the ability to push forward, and the hunger to establish himself at a top club.
Achievements So Far
For someone so young, Meghoma’s achievements already show why he is rated so highly. He has represented England across every youth level up to under-19s, earning double-figure caps in the process. That international pedigree, combined with his senior debut at Southampton, marked him out as one to watch.
The £5 million move to Brentford in 2024 underlined that reputation, with the Premier League club willing to invest heavily in his potential. Since then, his loan spell at Preston has given him regular game time in one of Europe’s toughest leagues, where he proved he could cope with the physicality and pace of senior football. All of that adds up to a player who, while still developing, has already demonstrated the qualities needed to succeed at the top level.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Playing History | Youth: Tottenham → Southampton → Brentford → Preston (loan) |
| Transfer Fee to Brentford | £5M upfront + £5M add-ons (potential £10M total) |
| Performance | Solid defensive metrics; high percentile in long-ball accuracy & dribbling |
| Strengths & Potential | Tactical versatility, championship experience, high developmental ceiling |
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that Jayden Meghoma is a player with huge potential. He has already shown glimpses of his quality in the Championship, carries international youth pedigree with England, and has the kind of energy and athleticism that could thrive under Russell Martin’s system at Ibrox.
But potential alone doesn’t solve the problems in Rangers’ backline. Performances so far this season have been unconvincing, and if Meghoma arrives and establishes himself as a first-team starter, the team could be relying heavily on three loanees in defence — Meghoma, Nasser Djiga, and Max Aarons. Two of those are still young players finding their way in senior football, which leaves the back four looking light on proven experience.
That lack of balance is a concern, and while Meghoma’s arrival would certainly add pace and versatility, Rangers may still need to bring in a left-sided centre-back with more seniority to steady things at the back. Otherwise, the gamble could be that Martin is asking too much of talented but still-developing players in a season where stability is essential.
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