Rangers Target Tawanda Maswanhise in January Transfer Market Feature

Rangers are monitoring Motherwell winger Tawanda Maswanhise ahead of the January transfer window as interest grows in the Zimbabwe international following his standout Scottish Premiership season (image source)

Rangers are reported to have opened preliminary talks for Motherwell winger Tawanda Maswanhise, a 23-year-old Zimbabwe international whose breakout season has made him one of Scotland’s most sought-after young attackers. The potential move is viewed as a calculated January gamble aimed at strengthening wide options ahead of a title push and demanding European fixtures.

Maswanhise’s rapid rise from promising signing to consistent match-winner has firmly placed him on the radar of bigger clubs. The Harare-born winger joined Motherwell in August 2024 and has since delivered an impressive campaign, combining pace, directness and a growing goal threat. His performances have marked him out as one of the Scottish Premiership’s standout attackers this season.

Highly versatile, Maswanhise is comfortable operating on either flank or as a supporting striker, qualities that align well with the modern, high-pressing and fluid tactical systems favoured by elite clubs. Rangers’ reported interest, described as preliminary enquiries and agent-level approaches, reflects a broader trend of Scotland’s top sides strengthening mid-season using domestic talent to maintain squad balance.

Sources suggest Ibrox is keen to add width and depth ahead of a congested fixture schedule, with the club’s tactical approach placing heavy emphasis on intensity and productivity from wide areas. Reports also indicate that Celtic and several English Championship clubs are monitoring Maswanhise, raising the likelihood of strong competition should a formal bid materialise.

For Motherwell, the situation presents a familiar dilemma. Selling in January could undermine ambitions of a top-four finish and European qualification, while retaining the player without extending his contract risks reduced leverage in the summer window. Club messaging has consistently stressed stability and reluctance to weaken the squad during a crucial phase of the season, with any potential sale expected to command a premium fee.

From the player’s perspective, a move to Rangers would offer Champions League exposure, improved financial terms and a higher-profile platform, but also increased scrutiny and competition for places. Observers suggest Maswanhise’s development may benefit from a measured step up rather than an immediate leap beyond Scotland. Key factors in any deal are likely to include transfer valuation, contract structure, assurances on playing time and Motherwell’s willingness to negotiate.

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has publicly maintained that the club has no intention of selling key players mid-season, despite growing external interest. Rangers sources, meanwhile, continue to characterise the approach as exploratory rather than a formal bid, leaving the situation finely balanced as the January window approaches.