Rangers Football Club are in advanced negotiations to secure the signature of Luton Town’s highly-rated midfielder Thelo Aasgaard, according to a recent report by the Daily Mail. The 23-year-old Norway international, who only joined Luton from Wigan Athletic in January for a reported £3 million, could be on the move again following Luton’s relegation to League One, with the Scottish giants looking to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Aasgaard, a versatile and dynamic midfielder, has caught the eye of Rangers’ new manager Russell Martin, who is keen to add the Liverpool-born star to his Ibrox rebuild. The transfer talks come hot on the heels of Rangers’ recent signing of Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth on a three-year deal, signalling Martin’s intent to strengthen the midfield as the club prepares for a Scottish Premiership title challenge and potential Champions League qualification.
Aasgaard’s Journey and Potential
Thelo Aasgaard’s rise through the ranks has been impressive. A product of Liverpool’s academy, he moved to Wigan Athletic, where he made 163 appearances, scoring 30 goals and providing 11 assists over five years. His performances in League One and the Championship showcased his ability to operate in multiple roles, including central midfield, attacking midfield, and even as a winger or striker when required. His versatility, combined with his technical ability and goal-scoring prowess, makes him an attractive prospect for Rangers.
Aasgaard’s move to Luton in January was seen as a step up, with the Hatters fighting to retain their Championship status. Despite their relegation, Aasgaard made an immediate impact, starting all 17 of Luton’s final Championship games and scoring twice while contributing one assist. His performances earned praise from Luton manager Matt Bloomfield, who described him as a “top player” with the potential for a “top career.” However, Luton’s drop to League One has opened the door for a potential move, with Aasgaard keen to continue playing at a higher level to secure his place in Norway’s national team.
Thelo Aasgaard AM 🇳🇴
— Declan 🏄🏻♂️ (@declan_19) July 2, 2025
49 Games 15G 3A last season pic.twitter.com/FXlSjjLa4B
Norway’s Influence and World Cup Ambitions
Aasgaard’s international aspirations are a significant factor in his potential transfer. The 23-year-old earned his first senior cap for Norway in March, scoring and assisting in a 5-0 World Cup qualifier win against Moldova. With the 2026 World Cup looming, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has made it clear that playing in League One could jeopardize Aasgaard’s international prospects. Solbakken previously warned it is difficult to play for the national team if you play in League One, emphasizing that Aasgaard’s development requires him to compete in a higher division, such as the Championship or, in this case, the Scottish Premiership.
A move to Rangers would offer Aasgaard the chance to play in a competitive league and potentially in European competitions, including the Champions League qualifiers against Panathinaikos. This opportunity aligns with Aasgaard’s ambition to cement his place in Norway’s squad alongside stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard.
Rangers’ Transfer Strategy
Under Russell Martin’s guidance, Rangers are actively reshaping their squad, with Aasgaard set to become their latest acquisition from the English leagues. The club has already secured the signings of Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth, Max Aarons from Bournemouth, and Emmanuel Fernandez from Peterborough United this summer. Aasgaard’s potential arrival would add further creativity and goal-scoring threat to a midfield that struggled for goals last season, with players like Nico Raskin, Tom Lawrence, and Mohamed Diomande managing only four goals each in the Scottish Premiership.
Martin, who previously worked with Rothwell at Southampton, appears to be targeting players with proven quality in the English Championship, with Aasgaard fitting the bill perfectly. His ability to play as a No. 10, No. 8, or on the left wing provides tactical flexibility, while his 14 goals across all competitions last season highlight his attacking threat.
