Rohl Has Final Say: Kevin Thelwell Makes Rangers Transfer Decision After ‘Big’ Meeting
Rangers’ new era under head coach Philippe Rohl may only be in its early stages, but the Ibrox hierarchy has already shown signs of major structural change. And the latest development — a decisive transfer call made by incoming director of football Kevin Thelwell after what insiders describe as a “big and brutally honest meeting” — suggests the club is preparing for a bold recalibration of its recruitment strategy.
Thelwell, who officially began work earlier this month, has spent his opening weeks at Rangers conducting an extensive review of the squad, department operations and summer plans.
But the most pivotal moment so far came during a high-level summit at the training centre, where Rohl, Thelwell and key staff thrashed out priorities ahead of the transfer window.
According to sources close to the club, Rohl presented a detailed assessment of the squad he inherited — highlighting positional weaknesses, fitness concerns, and the type of profiles he believes are essential for his high-energy system. While it was clear Rohl’s input carries enormous weight, the meeting reinforced one crucial reality: *
Thelwell will have final say on all transfer dealings, both incoming and outgoing.
That authority was immediately tested.
Following the summit, Thelwell is understood to have made a firm decision on one of the club’s most debated summer issues: whether to pursue a permanent deal for a long-linked target whose arrival had split opinion internally.
The identity of the player remains confidential, but insiders describe Thelwell’s call as “measured, strategic, and not the one many expected.”
What is clear is that Rohl accepted the verdict — and, more importantly, trusted it.
The dynamic between the pair is already being praised behind the scenes. While previous Rangers regimes often blurred the lines between coaching and recruitment, Rohl and Thelwell are said to be operating in lockstep. Rohl outlines the footballing needs; Thelwell evaluates viability, market value and long-term squad balance; and the board signs off once both are aligned.
That streamlined structure is something Rangers have lacked in recent years, and supporters will hope it brings stability after several turbulent windows.
The upcoming transfer period will reveal the impact of this new approach. Rohl reportedly wants at least four major additions, including a defender capable of anchoring his aggressive back line, a dynamic midfielder comfortable in tight spaces, and a direct wide forward to inject pace into the attack.
Thelwell, meanwhile, is focused on reducing the wage bill and moving on players who no longer fit the long-term vision.
The “big meeting” may have settled only one immediate decision, but its significance reaches far further. It marks the beginning of a clearer hierarchy, sharper recruitment processes and — potentially — a fresher, more cohesive Rangers squad.
The Rohl–Thelwell partnership has taken shape. Now the transfer window will show just how powerful it can become.