Kevin Thelwell to Usher in New Era at Rangers Following Everton Exit
Rangers have confirmed their first major move ahead of a pivotal summer, announcing Kevin Thelwell as the club’s new sporting director. The Everton executive will officially make the switch to Ibrox once his Goodison Park contract expires at the end of the season.
Thelwell, who has previously held key roles at Wolves and New York Red Bulls, will be tasked with appointing a new permanent manager and spearheading a broad overhaul both on and off the pitch. Record Sport also reports he’s considering a move for Everton academy director Gareth Prosser — a former colleague from his Wolves days — and more familiar names could follow him to Glasgow in the coming months.
With fresh investment from an imminent American takeover expected to boost Rangers’ summer business, Thelwell’s contacts could prove invaluable. Here are eight players he’s previously worked with who may be on his radar:
Asmir Begovic
The veteran goalkeeper was linked with Celtic last year, but Rangers could swoop if Jack Butland departs. Now 37, Begovic is out of contract at Everton and could welcome the chance to wind down his career at Ibrox. He hasn’t featured this season, serving as backup to Jordan Pickford, but his experience would be valuable.
Rui Patricio
This would be a marquee signing. Patricio was a standout at Wolves before moving to Roma and, more recently, Atalanta, where he’s barely played. The Portugal legend is set to be a free agent this summer, and a move to Rangers could offer him a final shot at regular football.
Conor Coady
The former Wolves and current Leicester defender has a known affection for Rangers, recently posting a photo of his child in a Rangers kit. Thelwell previously brought him to Everton on loan, and a third reunion might be on the cards — especially if the Foxes offload him following their relegation.
Willy Boly
With Leon Balogun likely nearing the end of his playing days, Boly could bring experience and steel to the backline. The 34-year-old has seen limited action at Nottingham Forest this season and will be out of contract in the summer. His Wolves pedigree under Thelwell makes him a potential target.
Mason Holgate
Long linked with Rangers, Holgate might finally make the move as his Everton deal runs out. A versatile defender or midfielder, he’s spent recent years on loan at various Championship clubs and could view Rangers as a stable, long-term option.
Nathan Patterson
A return to Ibrox for Patterson could be on the cards. Injuries have hampered his progress since joining Everton for £11 million in 2022, and with game time limited under David Moyes, a cut-price reunion could benefit all parties. He could be the ideal heir to James Tavernier, who’s entering the final year of his deal.
Jonny
Former Wolves full-back Jonny joined Greek side PAOK in 2024 and remains a dependable presence. Comfortable on both flanks and boasting over 100 appearances for Wolves, the 31-year-old could provide immediate quality at full-back, particularly on a free transfer.
Lewis Morgan
Though once a Celtic player, Morgan’s allegiances have since shifted. Now thriving in the MLS, the ex-Scotland international has been a standout performer for New York Red Bulls under Thelwell’s watch. A self-declared Rangers fan once again, the 28-year-old’s return to Glasgow — this time in blue — isn’t beyond the realm of possibility.
With Thelwell’s appointment marking the beginning of a significant rebuild, Rangers fans can expect an active summer in the transfer market — and potentially a few familiar names making their way to Ibrox.
