Rangers-linked Midfielder Moves to France on Loan

Rangers’ long-running search to strengthen their midfield has taken another intriguing turn, with two familiar names dominating the transfer headlines as the window gathers pace.

One player who will not be heading to Ibrox, at least for now, is Lucas Gourna-Douath. The highly rated midfielder has completed a loan move to Ligue 1 side Le Havre from Red Bull Salzburg, ending speculation that he could be bound for Glasgow.

Rangers had been repeatedly linked with the France Under-21 international as Philippe Clement looks to add athleticism and bite to the centre of the park. However, Le Havre have won the race, offering Gourna-Douath the chance to gain regular minutes in a league he knows well.

The 21-year-old, who rose to prominence at Saint-Etienne before earning a move to Salzburg, has been regarded as one of the most dynamic young midfielders in Europe.

His loan switch is seen as an opportunity to reignite his development after a challenging spell in Austria, where competition for places has been fierce.

From Rangers’ perspective, his decision underlines the competitive nature of the market and the difficulty of landing elite young talent without guaranteed playing time.

While that door has closed, another appears to be opening. Sunderland captain Dan Neil has emerged as a fresh midfield target, with Borussia Monchengladbach reportedly joining a growing list of clubs tracking the 23-year-old. Rangers are said to be among those monitoring Neil’s situation as they consider their next move.

Neil has been a standout performer for Sunderland, combining leadership with technical quality and an impressive work rate. A product of the club’s academy, he has become a central figure at the Stadium of Light and is admired for his ability to control games from deep midfield.

His consistent displays in the Championship have not gone unnoticed, attracting interest from both the Bundesliga and the Scottish Premiership.

For Rangers, the appeal is obvious. Neil’s profile fits the type of midfielder the club have been targeting: energetic, tactically intelligent and capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.

His experience as a captain at a young age would also add a layer of maturity to a squad aiming to reclaim domestic dominance and make an impact in Europe.

However, competition from clubs such as Borussia Monchengladbach could complicate matters. The lure of the Bundesliga, combined with Sunderland’s own ambitions, means any deal would require significant negotiation and a convincing sporting project.

As the transfer window continues, Rangers fans can expect further twists and turns. Missing out on Gourna-Douath may be a setback, but the pursuit of Dan Neil suggests the club remain proactive.

With midfield reinforcements high on the agenda, the coming weeks could prove decisive in shaping Rangers’ season ahead.