Russell Martin Eyes £18m Flynn Downes as His First Major Rangers Signing in Post-Lundstram Era

Russell Martin Eyes £18m Flynn Downes as His First Major Rangers Signing in Post-Lundstram Era

With Russell Martin now officially installed as Rangers’ new manager, the club is poised to ramp up its summer transfer activity—and midfield appears to be high on the agenda. Martin, who took the reins at Ibrox last week as the 20th permanent manager in the club’s 153-year history, faces an immediate challenge: guiding the team through UEFA Champions League qualifiers and dethroning Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

As he begins to shape his vision for the squad, Martin is reportedly eager to secure a familiar face from his past managerial stints—Flynn Downes. According to *The Scottish Sun’s* Alan Nixon, the 26-year-old is at the top of Martin’s wishlist.

Flynn Downes Reunion Could Launch Martin’s New Era

Downes and Martin have worked together twice already—first at Swansea and then at Southampton, where the midfielder initially joined on loan before sealing a permanent move from West Ham for a reported £18 million. That price tag could complicate Rangers’ pursuit, especially considering the club’s historical reluctance to break the bank on transfers. Their record signing remains Tore André Flo’s £12 million move in 2000, and in the modern era, Ryan Kent’s £7.5 million switch in 2019 still stands as a financial ceiling.

However, Southampton’s recent relegation back to the Championship may trigger a major squad reshuffle, which could open the door for Rangers to strike a deal for Downes at a more reasonable valuation.

Downes Could Fill the Void Left by John Lundstram

The comparison between Downes and former Rangers midfielder John Lundstram is inevitable. Lundstram, who joined Rangers from Sheffield United, became a key figure during his three-year spell at Ibrox—clocking over 150 appearances and scoring the memorable winner that sent the club to the 2022 Europa League final. He also lifted both the Scottish Cup and League Cup before leaving for Trabzonspor last summer.

If Rangers were to secure Downes, fans would undoubtedly hope for a similarly influential presence in the middle of the park. The English midfielder is renowned for his composure, physicality, and high-energy performances. Analysts and commentators alike have sung his praises—Dan Woffenden refers to Downes as “class,” while *The Athletic’s* Roshane Thomas highlights his excellent distribution and rapport with Martin. Meanwhile, Chris Beaumont of *Total Football Analysis* hails him as one of the top midfield talents in the English game, citing his stamina and ability to dominate physically.

Statistical Profile: Why Downes Fits Martin’s Blueprint

Given Southampton’s struggles in the Premier League, Downes’ recent Championship campaign offers a more reliable picture of his abilities. According to 2023/24 data, he ranked among the top three for pass completion in the second tier—a critical asset in Martin’s possession-based approach. Over half of his completed passes were short-range, aligning neatly with the methodical, build-from-the-back philosophy that Martin implemented at both Swansea and Southampton.

Importantly, the EFL Championship is rated by Global Football Ranking as the 11th strongest league in global football—significantly higher than the Scottish Premiership, which sits in 43rd. That context suggests Downes could thrive in Scotland, where the tactical demands may allow him even greater influence on the pitch.

Verdict: A Smart, Strategic Fit for Martin’s Rangers

Bringing Downes to Glasgow would not only reunite Martin with a trusted lieutenant but also give Rangers a dynamic, intelligent operator at the heart of midfield. His experience in high-stakes promotion pushes and his comfort in structured, ball-dominant systems make him an ideal fit for Martin’s plans.

While financial constraints could pose an obstacle, Southampton’s relegation might make a cut-price deal feasible. And if a transfer is completed, Downes could follow in Lundstram’s footsteps—not just by replacing him, but by becoming a fan-favourite figure capable of shaping big-game moments.

Martin’s tenure at Ibrox is only just beginning, but Flynn Downes may already be the cornerstone of the project he hopes to build.