Rangers sign Bournemouth defender Max Aarons on season-long loan

Max Aarons has joined Rangers on a season-long loan from Bournemouth for the 2025/26 campaign, becoming the first signing under new manager Russell Martin. The 25-year-old right-back, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Valencia, expressed excitement about joining a club of Rangers' stature and is eager to thrive under the pressure of playing at Ibrox. Aarons, a former England Under-21 international, is expected to bring experience and energy to the squad, potentially challenging long-time captain James Tavernier for a starting spot. Rangers' sporting director Kevin Thelwell highlighted Aarons as a talented player with significant room for development, while Martin praised his hunger to improve and contribute to the team's success. Despite interest from Premier League and Championship clubs, Aarons chose Rangers, influenced by Martin's arrival and the club's history. Bournemouth had previously rejected a £6 million bid from Southampton, underscoring Aarons' value and the strategic nature of this loan move.