Rangers have confirmed the signing of Max Aarons on a season-long loan from AFC Bournemouth, pending international clearance.
The 25-year-old full-back becomes Russell Martin’s latest addition as the club gears up for a crucial campaign both domestically and in Europe. Aarons, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Valencia, arrives with experience across the Premier League, La Liga, and England’s youth international setup, having helped the Young Lions lift the UEFA Under-21 Championship in 2023.
I am delighted to be here, as you can see it’s a huge club and you realise that when you walk through the doors,” said Aarons. “I’ve got a lot of experience now in different leagues and I have played a lot of games. I think I can bring that experience, I can bring a new energy, and I think Rangers fans can be excited – I am really looking forward to it.
Max Aarons
Head Coach Russell Martin, who worked with Aarons during their time at Norwich, was full of praise for the signing
Max is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side. We are pleased to bring him on board for this season, and I believe he will be a fantastic addition to the squad.
Head Coach Russell Martin
Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell echoed those sentiments, highlighting Aarons’ experience and potential:
He is a player who has been on the radar of many clubs in recent years… and we believe he will be an important asset for the team in this upcoming campaign.
Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell
🏃♂️ A Direct Fit for Martin’s High-Energy Blueprint
From a tactical perspective, Aarons offers something Rangers have lacked: raw pace and relentless attacking intent from deep. His ability to overlap, press aggressively and contribute to transitions is a natural fit for Martin’s ball-dominant, front-foot approach.
During his time in Spain, Aarons was among the top full-backs for dribbling metrics, and his career average of nearly 4 tackles per 90 underlines his defensive output. If fit, he instantly raises the standard in the backline.
The added bonus? Aarons has already called Martin a “father figure.” That bond could fast-track his adaptation to life at Ibrox and make him a leader on the pitch, even as a loan player.
🤕 But Fitness Will Need Monitoring
It’s not all smooth sailing. Aarons managed just nine appearances last season due to hamstring and calf injuries – first at Bournemouth, then during his loan spell at Valencia. While these are common for explosive full-backs, they’ll need to be managed carefully, especially in the physical environment of Scottish football and with European qualifiers on the horizon.
🔁 What Does This Mean for James Tavernier?
Aarons’ arrival naturally raises questions about James Tavernier. Is this competition, cover—or a prelude to something more significant?
If the plan is to rotate or gradually phase Tav out, then the logic checks out. But if the club is considering shifting Tavernier into a right-sided centre-back role to accommodate both, that could be a tactical misstep. We’ve seen square pegs in round holes before, and it’s rarely ended well.
Tavernier is now in the final year of his contract. It’s entirely possible that by next summer, Rangers could be replacing both right-backs.
⏳ No Option to Buy?
One notable aspect is that this is a straight loan with no mention of a purchase clause. That may reflect Bournemouth’s desire to retain a sellable asset or keep their options open, but it leaves Rangers in a familiar bind—developing a player they may not be able to keep.
If Aarons excels, his value rises and he returns to Bournemouth. If Tavernier declines or departs, Rangers may find themselves back to square one with no first-choice right-back.
🧩 Part of a Bigger Rebuild
This move also comes as another one—Harry Darling to Rangers—has now officially ended with the centre-back signing for Norwich City. That likely places even greater importance on securing familiar faces for Russell Martin, and Aarons certainly ticks that box.
🧠 Final Word
There’s no doubt Aarons improves the squad today. He’s quick, brave on the ball, and understands Martin’s methods. But his fitness must be handled wisely, and the bigger questions about Tavernier’s role—and what happens next summer—remain unanswered.
Still, this is a statement of intent. The 49ers-led board appears keen to act decisively and plug gaps quickly. Whether this is a short-term solution or the start of a longer-term reshaping of the backline, Max Aarons at Ibrox is a move that makes sense—right now.
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