Russell Martin Wants Rangers to Keep Star Philippe Clement Raved About
GLASGOW — Newly appointed Rangers head coach Russell Martin has made it clear that he wants to build his team around midfielder Mohamed Diomande, the loanee-turned-permanent signing who earned high praise from former manager Philippe Clement, and is adamant the club will not sell him this summer.
Diomande, the Ivorian international, joined Rangers on loan from FC Nordsjælland in January 2024 and made the move permanent later that year. His technical quality, versatility and composure have seen him established as a central figure in Rangers’ midfield, often drawing comparisons to top European midfield prodigies.
Clement, who managed Rangers from October 2023 until February 2025, lauded Diomande as an ideal example of Rangers’ recruitment model. He called Diomande “the best player on the pitch” in a pre-season friendly against Ajax and repeatedly emphasized that nurturing young talents capable of delivering on the pitch—before eventually attracting profitable offers—was central to the club’s future.
In turn, Martin has echoed the club’s intent to keep Diomande as a cornerstone of his rebuild, stressing that there is no necessity to sell top performers unless a truly exceptional offer arrives. Despite reported interest from Everton and even a substantial €10 million bid from Besiktas, Martin and the club’s new American ownership view Diomande as vital to their long-term plans.
The clear message: Diomande is not for sale. Instead, Russell Martin is determined to base his new-look Rangers side around the midfielder, trusting that his continued development will play a key role in the club’s revival.
With Champions League qualifiers looming and a fresh rebuild underway, Diomande’s presence in the squad offers both stability and potential—exactly what Martin and Rangers are banking on.
