Rangers Face Champions League Exit, £129m Financial Blow, Martin Retained

Rangers face a crucial Champions League second leg against Club Brugge, with a 3-1 deficit from the first leg threatening a significant financial loss estimated at £129 million if they fail to qualify for the group stage, according to football finance expert Dan Plumley. Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has defended manager Russell Martin, stating there is no shame in losing to a strong Club Brugge side and believes Martin will retain the backing of the club's new American owners despite results, as they aim to rebuild gradually. Meanwhile, Rangers are navigating a major transfer window, with striker Hamza Igamane close to a £15 million move to Lille, and potential replacements like Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti being considered. In domestic competition, Rangers trail Celtic by six points, with former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill criticizing the current Rangers squad as lacking quality and consistency, highlighting the challenges Martin faces in stabilizing the team. The upcoming derby against Celtic presents a critical test for Rangers both in terms of league standings and restoring confidence after mixed European performances. Overall, Rangers are at a pivotal moment financially and competitively, balancing European ambitions, transfer activity, and domestic pressure under Martin's management.