Russell Martin Speaks Out on Jayden Meghoma’s Potential Rangers Move and Jefte’s Big-Money Exit
Southampton manager Russell Martin has offered his thoughts on the future of rising star Jayden Meghoma, amid strong reports linking the teenager with a switch to Rangers, while also weighing in on the likely departure of Jefte from Ibrox in a significant transfer deal.
Meghoma, just 18, has been tipped for a loan move north of the border as Philippe Clement looks to bolster his defensive options. The youngster has already made a name for himself in Southampton’s academy and is seen as one of the most promising left-backs in English football. Rangers are believed to be in pole position to secure his services, although Martin stressed that negotiations are still in progress.
“Jayden is an exciting player with a lot of ability,” Martin told reporters. “He’s still very young, and what matters most is making sure he develops in the right environment. Rangers is clearly a huge club with a strong reputation, but nothing is fully confirmed yet. We’re carefully considering the best step forward for his career.”
Alongside the Meghoma speculation, Rangers are also bracing themselves for the departure of Brazilian defender Jefte. The 20-year-old, who only joined the Glasgow club last season, has been the subject of a transfer tug-of-war in South America, with Palmeiras believed to be closing in on a £5–6 million deal. His pace, flair, and attacking contributions quickly caught attention, making him one of Rangers’ standout young assets.
Martin reflected on the impact of such transfers in the modern game, acknowledging the financial challenges that clubs like Rangers face. “When you have a player like Jefte performing consistently, bigger teams with greater resources will always show interest,” Martin said. “That’s the nature of football. It can be tough to lose talent, but it also highlights the quality of recruitment and development at Rangers.”
Should Jefte complete his move, Meghoma’s arrival could help fill the void on the left side of defence. While still raw, the Southampton teenager has the attributes to grow into a key player and would benefit greatly from the intensity of the Scottish Premiership and European competition.
With the transfer window still open, Rangers fans will be watching closely as the club attempts to balance squad improvements with the financial realities of the market. Meghoma’s potential arrival and Jefte’s expected departure could mark a pivotal moment in Clement’s summer rebuild.