According to recent reports, newly appointed Rangers boss Russell Martin is considering a move for experienced centre-back Conor Coady from Leicester City this summer. Coady still has one year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium. However, Leicester`s recent relegation from the Premier League, coupled with uncertainty regarding their managerial situation, suggests a potential transfer to Ibrox could be on the cards.
The 32-year-old England international began his career within Liverpool`s youth system but only made two senior appearances for the Merseyside club. Following a successful loan spell with Sheffield United when they were in the third tier, Coady completed a £500,000 transfer to Championship side Huddersfield Town.
Just a year later, Wolves signed him for £2 million. Initially playing as a defensive midfielder early in his career, Coady was transitioned to a central defender in a three-man backline from the 2017-18 season onwards by then-manager Nuno Espirito Santo. This strategic decision proved highly effective, and Coady became a pivotal player in securing their promotion to the top flight.
Coady remained a consistent starter for Wolves until the 2021-22 season. He subsequently joined Everton on a season-long loan deal. Interestingly, Kevin Thelwell, who was Everton`s director of football at that time and now serves as Rangers` sporting director, opted against activating the option-to-buy clause, allowing young defender Jarrad Branthwaite to develop at the senior level instead.
The Case for Rangers Signing The Veteran Defender
Despite a less than stellar period at Leicester marked by issues with both form and fitness, Thelwell might still advocate for bringing Coady to Ibrox, potentially supporting manager Martin, who reportedly favoured the Rangers job over the vacancy at Leicester. Rangers` defensive unit requires reinforcement. Leon Balogun has left after his contract expired, and loan signings Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Rafael Fernandes returned to their parent clubs having failed to make a significant impact. Summer recruit Robin Propper is also expected to return to FC Twente, having reportedly struggled with the physical demands, pace, and intensity of Scottish football. Furthermore, young players Leon King and Clinton Nsiala are not yet considered ready for regular first-team duties.
This situation leaves John Souttar as the only established senior central defensive option available. While Dujon Sterling offers valuable versatility across the defensive line, Rangers are in pressing need of a specialist centre-back possessing quality and experience, capable of providing the kind of commanding presence in deep defence that Balogun offered.
Although Coady faced challenges in the Premier League last season, his renowned leadership qualities and defensive capabilities could significantly strengthen the Light Blues` defence for the upcoming campaign. Rangers are also rumoured to be pursuing Almamy Toure on a free transfer. Acquiring potentially both Coady and Toure for minimal transfer fees would provide the club`s new ownership with greater flexibility to invest transfer funds in other crucial areas of the squad.
