Rangers look to be edging closer to a January double deal, but for this piece the focus is firmly on Tuur Rommens, a player who could quietly solve one of the biggest squad problems created back in the summer.
There is still no official announcement, but all signs point to a deal being agreed with Westerlo for the Belgian youth internationalist, with a fee believed to be around ÂŁ3 million and a long-term contract waiting at Ibrox. If and when that confirmation drops, it will mark the end of a long wait for proper depth at left-back.
How Rangers Ended Up So Short
It is impossible to talk about Rommens without looking at how Rangers got themselves into this mess.
In the space of one week last summer, Kevin Thelwell approved the sale of Ridvan Yilmaz, Jefte and Robbie Fraser. Three left-backs out the door, and not a single permanent replacement brought in. The money was welcome, but no one expected Rangers to go into a full season with just one recognised option.
That left Jayden Meghoma, on loan from Brentford, as the only natural left-back in the squad.
Meghoma’s Credit in the Bank
To be fair to Meghoma, he deserves huge credit. He struggled early on, which was hardly surprising. He had barely played senior football before coming to Rangers, and most of his previous minutes had come as a left wing-back rather than a traditional full-back.
Since then, he has grown into the role. He has already played more matches this season than in his entire career before Ibrox, and his performances have steadily improved. He has earned his place in the team.
But that does not change the bigger issue. Rangers have been operating with no safety net in that position. One injury, one suspension, and the whole shape of the team would have been compromised. The club has clearly recognised that risk, and Rommens looks like the answer.
Who Is Tuur Rommens?
Rommens is 22, turning 23 in March, and already far more experienced in the left-back role than Meghoma was when he arrived.
He came through the Genk academy, one of the best in Belgium, and has gone on to build solid senior experience with Westerlo. He is also a Belgian youth international, having represented his country at both Under-19 and Under-21 level.
Interestingly, his current manager is Issame Charai, a familiar face to Rangers fans from his time on the Ibrox coaching staff. Charai has spoken about wanting to keep Rommens, but it now looks like Rangers have done enough to convince Westerlo to sell.
Rangers were also tracking James Penrice of AEK Athens, but that deal always looked unlikely so soon after his move. Rommens is the one Rohl has decided fits the profile best.
What He Brings to Rangers
This should not be seen as “Rommens in, Meghoma out”. It should be seen as competition finally arriving where there was none.
If Rommens is an upgrade, he will earn his place. If Meghoma keeps improving, he will push Rommens just as hard. Either way, Rangers win.
There is also a longer-term view here. Rangers relied far too heavily on loan players in defence this season. Meghoma is one of them, and while many fans would happily see him return, there is no option built into the deal. If he keeps playing well, Brentford may want him back or demand a big fee.
On top of that, contracts for players like John Souttar and James Tavernier are running down, which makes planning the future of the back line even more important. Rommens, at 22, fits that long-term thinking perfectly.
A Signing That Just Makes Sense
This is not a flashy headline grabber. It is a sensible, necessary signing that fixes a problem Rangers created themselves.
Rommens will arrive with something to prove, a young player stepping into a big club, in a league that demands physicality, tempo and consistency. He will need time to adapt to how Danny Rohl wants his team to press, to build from the back, and to play at high intensity.
But if Rangers are serious about building properly again, not just for this title race but for seasons to come, then adding players like Tuur Rommens is exactly the type of business they should be doing.
When that official announcement finally lands, it should be seen not as a gamble, but as Rangers finally putting right a mistake made months ago.
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