Rangers FC Plot €5M Transfer Raid for Chelsea Wonderkid Ishe Samuels-Smith
In what could become one of the most eye-catching transfers of the summer, Rangers FC are reportedly ready to splash €5 million to secure the services of Chelsea’s rising star Ishe Samuels-Smith, according to sources close to Ibrox.
The 19-year-old left-back, widely regarded as one of the most promising defensive prospects in English football, has spent the past year captaining Chelsea’s U21 side and training regularly with the senior squad. While he has yet to make a competitive first-team appearance under manager Enzo Maresca, his profile has soared—drawing attention from top clubs across Europe, including Bundesliga and Eredivisie sides.
However, it is Rangers who appear the most determined to bring the England youth international to Scotland, with club insiders confirming that the Glasgow giants are prepared to break their defensive transfer record to land Samuels-Smith on a permanent deal.
“This isn’t just about potential,” a Rangers source told Football London Insider. “Ishe is already a top-tier talent. He’s physically ready, technically polished, and tactically sharp. We’re willing to invest €5 million to bring him to Ibrox and make him a cornerstone of our backline for years to come.”
Chelsea, who signed Samuels-Smith from Everton in 2023 for a reported £4 million (€4.7M), handed him an eight-year deal that runs through 2031. While the Blues see long-term value in the teenager, they are believed to be open to a permanent sale if the price is right—especially with their squad brimming with defensive options and UEFA’s financial sustainability regulations in mind.
Sources suggest that Rangers manager Russell Martin is a huge admirer of the left-back’s versatility, with Samuels-Smith capable of operating at centre-back and even as a wing-back in a three-at-the-back system. The Gers, who recently lost Borna Barišić and are reshaping their backline following Leon Balogun’s exit, view the Chelsea academy graduate as a ready-made solution with massive resale potential.
Martin, who has close ties to Chelsea from his playing days and coaching network, is believed to have personally made contact with the player’s representatives to outline the club’s vision, which includes regular first-team football, European exposure, and development under an attacking, possession-based system.
While Chelsea have not formally responded to the bid, sources at Cobham suggest the offer has sparked internal discussions, with the club weighing the benefits of cashing in on a non-homegrown squad slot versus sending the player on another development loan.
Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson weighed in on the rumoured move:
“If I’m Ishe, I’d seriously consider Rangers. Playing in front of 50,000 fans at Ibrox, competing in Europe, and learning under a progressive manager like Russell Martin—it could be the perfect launchpad.”
Whether Rangers’ bold €5M bid will be enough to tempt Chelsea into parting ways remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Scottish giants are going all-in on securing one of England’s brightest young stars.
