Rangers Transfer Latest: Tromso ‘Prepared’ For Major Exit Amid £7.8million Bid Confirmed
The summer transfer window continues to deliver drama for Rangers as Norwegian club Tromso have openly admitted they are preparing for the potential departure of one of their key assets amid significant interest from Ibrox.
In the latest developments, Tromso sporting director Lars Petter Kræmer-Andressen has confirmed the club is bracing itself for movement in their squad before the window closes. This comes as Rangers maintain strong interest in bolstering their midfield options with a reported £7.8 million bid on the table.
Tromso Bracing for Key Departure
Speaking exclusively to local outlet I Tromso ahead of European action, the sporting director was realistic about the challenges facing the Norwegian side. He emphasised that the club must be ready for squad changes, particularly after a quiet previous window.
“We have to be prepared for some movement this window as there was no movement in the last window. We have been quite clear about that all along, so it is nothing new or surprising that there is interest in several of our players.”
Kræmer-Andressen highlighted the difficulties of replacing top talents, especially while competing in European competitions. He noted that building a new team during a busy European campaign would be far from ideal, and replacing multiple key players at once would be unrealistic for the club’s resources.
The 20-year-old Norway U21 international in question has been a standout performer for Tromso, known for his imposing 6ft 4″ frame and creative midfield presence. Rangers have been long-term admirers and had an initial £5.3 million offer rejected earlier in the month. With the upgraded bid now reportedly in play, the situation is heating up significantly as the summer window enters its final stretch.
Competing Interest from Cardiff City
The transfer saga has attracted attention from elsewhere in British football. English Championship side Cardiff City are understood to be very keen, with reports suggesting they have tabled a substantial £7.8 million offer in an attempt to secure the player’s signature and bring him to Wales.
Despite the interest from multiple clubs, the player himself has indicated that a move to Rangers would be highly appealing, adding another layer of intrigue to the negotiations. As of July 23, 2026, no deal has been finalised, but the signals from Tromso suggest they are mentally and strategically preparing for life without one of their prized assets if the right offer is accepted.
Rangers Strengthen Squad with Seventh Signing
On the same day, Rangers completed their seventh incoming transfer of the summer window by securing Serbian talent Vanja Dragojevic from Partizan Belgrade. The young midfielder signed a four-year deal with an option for a further 12 months, marking another step in manager Derek McInnes’ squad rebuild ahead of the new Scottish Premiership season.
This latest arrival brings fresh energy and depth to the Ibrox midfield as the club looks to challenge at the top of the table and make progress in domestic and European competitions.
Makhanya AWOL Situation Confirmed
Meanwhile, another transfer-related story involving Rangers has taken an unexpected turn. The club have been heavily linked with Philadelphia Union centre-back Olwethu Makhanya, but the South African international has refused to return to his current club after they rejected a £3 million offer from an unnamed Belgian Pro League side.
Philadelphia Union head coach Ryan Richter has now publicly confirmed the player’s absence, describing it as being due to personal reasons. In his comments, Richter said:
“I have worked with Olwethu since he first joined the club, and we have a good personal relationship. But right now, he is away from the club for personal reasons, and we will leave it at that for now.”
This development leaves Makhanya’s future uncertain and could potentially open the door for Rangers to pursue a deal, though the situation remains delicate with the player currently AWOL from his parent club.
Broader Context of Rangers’ Summer Window
As of July 23, 2026, Rangers have been one of the more active clubs in the Scottish Premiership during the transfer window. The arrival of Dragojevic brings the total new signings to seven, reflecting a clear strategy to refresh the squad and address key areas of need.
The interest in the Tromso talent aligns with Rangers’ desire to add technical quality and physical presence in midfield. Should the deal progress, it would represent a significant investment and a statement of intent from the Glasgow club.
Tromso, meanwhile, continue their European campaign. They faced Czech side Hradec Kralove in the first leg of their Conference League qualifying tie on Thursday, with their sporting director’s comments coming just before that important fixture. The Norwegian club has built a reputation for developing promising young players and occasionally cashing in on them to fund further squad improvements.
Replacing a key performer who has contributed significantly in both domestic and European matches will be no easy task, especially with the added pressure of balancing league commitments and continental competition.
What Happens Next?
With the transfer window still open, all eyes remain on whether Rangers can push through a deal for the highly-rated Norwegian prospect. The player’s preference for Ibrox could prove decisive, but competition from Cardiff and the valuation expectations from Tromso mean negotiations are likely to continue right up until the deadline.
For Rangers fans, this period brings excitement mixed with the usual transfer uncertainty. The club’s proactive approach in the market, highlighted by the recent signing of Dragojevic, suggests they are determined to strengthen ahead of a crucial season.
The Makhanya situation adds another dimension, potentially offering a defensive reinforcement option if the club can navigate the complexities of his current AWOL status and contractual issues.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops over the coming days. Rangers supporters will be hoping for positive news on multiple fronts before the window slams shut.
