Rangers in talks to seal an even better signing than Ben Godfrey

Glasgow Rangers are closing in on their third addition of the summer transfer window after the arrivals of Lawrence Shankland and Ross McCrorie.

They are staying close to home once again with the loan signing of central defender Ben Godfrey, a former England international, to bolster Derek McInnes’ options at the back.

The Light Blues have reportedly reached an agreement with Serie A side Atalanta to bring the English star to Ibrox on a season-long loan, with the option to make it permanent next year.

He has been sent out on loan to Ipswich Town, Sheffield United, and Brondby in recent years, but none of those teams decided to explore a permanent deal for his services.

The 28-year-old talent will now be hoping that Rangers will be the club that he finally manages to get his career back on track with after this latest loan move.

Rangers are in talks to sign Italian star

There is cause for concern with this piece of business, because he has not played more than 16 games in all competitions in a season since the 2021/22 campaign, raising doubts over his availability.

The former Norwich City centre-back may not be the only arrival from Italy, as the club are looking at a star who could be an even better signing than Godfrey.

According to reports in Italy, Glasgow Rangers are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Palermo goalkeeper Sebastiano Desplanches in the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that several Italian teams and English Championship side Norwich City, managed by Philippe Clement, are also in the race to sign the 23-year-old stopper.

It is revealed that Rangers and Norwich have both made contact with Palmero to hold talks about what a deal for the Italian youngster could look like this summer.

However, the journalist does not state how much the Serie B side are set to demand for their talented young goalkeeper, or if the Gers are prepared to make an offer for his services.

Sebastiano Desplanches would be a better Rangers signing than Ben Godfrey

As aforementioned, it remains to be seen whether or not Godfrey will be a good signing for Rangers and McInnes, because of how much he has struggled in recent seasons.

In 12 appearances on loan at Brondby in the Danish Superliga, the centre-back lost 61% of his ground duels and made two errors that led to shots or penalties for the opposition, suggesting that he may not be the most reliable out-and-out defender for the Gers.

Meanwhile, Desplanches caught the eye with his form on loan at Pescara in the Serie B in the 2025/26 campaign, and could arrive at Ibrox as an upgrade on what McInnes currently has at his disposal.

Jack Butland was too error-prone for the Gers between the sticks in the Scottish Premiership last term, making seven errors that led to shots or goals for the opposition, whilst the Italian only made three such mistakes for his side.

Desplanches’ per 90 statistics also suggest that he would be more effective at sweeping up behind his defenders and at being an out-and-out shot-stopper if he can carry his form over to the Premiership.

The 23-year-old talent has also showcased his skills on the international stage with Italy, keeping two clean sheets and saving a penalty in three appearances at the U21 European Championship last year.

Although he missed the end of last season with a hamstring injury, Desplanches is expected to be back fit for pre-season and could join the Light Blues to compete with Butland for the number one spot, possibly taking it off him based on his form in Italy.

Whereas, Godfrey’s form for Brondby and his recent struggles across multiple loan spells away from Atalanta does not suggest that he is likely to hit the ground running as a star for Rangers.

That means that Desplanches could be an even better signing for the club if they can reach an agreement with Palermo to bring him to Ibrox this summer.