Rangers Scouts Left Frustrated Amid Interest In This Blackburn Rovers Defender: Why McInnes Must Sanction Another Reunion

Rangers Scouts Left Frustrated Amid Interest In This Blackburn Rovers Defender: Why McInnes Must Sanction Another Reunion If a recent update from transfer expert Alan Nixon on his Patreon is true, Rangers scouts were left frustrated on their scouting mission, with reported target Ryan Alebiosu missing Blackburn Rovers’ recent pre-season fixture with a minor bug. The Light Blues were not alone in the hunt, as the Premier League outfit Brentford also sent representatives to keep close tabs on the right-back. The England-born Nigeria international progressed through Arsenal’s youth ranks before being loaned out to Crewe Alexandra in the English League One, followed by fellow Premiership side Kilmarnock, then-managed by Derek McInnes. The Gunners opted not to keep hold of their academy graduate, thus allowing him to ply his trade in Belgium with top-flight club KV Kortrijk. After a sporadic status for De Kerels, Alebiosu spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at St Mirren. His impressive stint in Scotland caught Rovers’ attention, leading to a €576k transfer to Ewood Park in the summer of 2025. Despite their dreadful run in the English Championship, the 24-year-old was a shining light with his pace, physicality and aggression. Blackburn, upon saving relegation, have now set a whopping £8m price tag on their prized asset amid interest from north of the border. OXFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Ryan Alebiosu of Blackburn Rovers runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Jack Currie of Oxford United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Oxford United and Blackburn Rovers at Kassam Stadium on March 11, 2026 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Why Rangers Must Bring Him As Tavernier’s Successor Rangers are undergoing a squad revamp under McInnes, who has replaced Danny Rohl as the new Ibrox chief. The Scotsman has been heavily backed, with six new names already roped in so far this window. They are closing in on a couple of other targets, as several summer exits highlight the need for reinforcements to restore parity across the pitch. Defence, meanwhile, has been heavily affected following the return of Nasser Djiga, Max Aarons, Jayden Meghoma and Derek Cornelius to their respective parent clubs Wolves, Bournemouth, Brentford and Marseille upon the completion of their season-long loans. John Souttar is expected to leave in the coming days, and the Gers have brought in Ross McCrorie and Ben Godfrey among the defensive recruits, with more signings to follow, as confirmed by the gaffer himself. However, James Tavernier’s departure has left a massive void on the right. Both Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie are more suitable as versatile squad options, and the Light Blues are in the market for a high-profile addition to replace their club legend. Alebiosu is recognised for his athleticism, explosive pace, relentless overlapping runs and excellent crossing ability. He might sometimes get caught out of position or lose concentration in the defensive third, but his profile matches the traits of a modern-day fullback. Rangers won’t give up on him without a fight and are likely to scout him further in Blackburn’s upcoming pre-season friendlies.