Loan signing out to bring 'new energy' at Rangers

Rangers have signed Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons on a season-long loan.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Cherries from Norwich City in 2023 in a transfer reported to be worth £7m, ended last season on a six-month loan to Valencia.

Aarons made four appearances for the side who finished 12th in La Liga and the Spanish club decided against taking up an option to buy.

Now Aarons has headed to Ibrox despite reportedly being of interest to Premier League teams and clubs in the Championship.

Bournemouth rejected a £6m offer from Southampton for the London-born defender when new Rangers head coach Russell Martin was manager at St Mary's last July.

By then, he had made 23 appearances, 15 of them starts, in his first season with Bournemouth, but last season he played only four times, two from the bench, before leaving for Valencia.

Aarons, who played for England at under-21 level, will challenge Rangers captain James Tavernier for a starting place in the absence of the injured Dujon Sterling.

A "delighted" Aarons told Rangers media: "I can't wait to get going.

"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."

Head coach Martin said: "Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging through the youth ranks while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player.

"He is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side. I believe he will be a fantastic addition to the squad."