Kai Wagner ends Rangers transfer talk with new Philadelphia Union deal despite 'exciting options' in Europe
Philippe Clement is out to put his stamp on his Ibrox ranks with Fabio Silva already in the door from Wolves in this window.
Kai Wagner has put any talk of a potential move to Rangers to bed after agreeing a new long-term deal at Philadelphia Union.
Ibrox scouts had the defender as one of a host of names looked at for the left-back role at the club with Borna Barisic out of contract at the end of the season and Ridvan Yilmaz potentially heading for the exit door after failing to live up to his big price tag since his move from Turkish outfit Besiktas. Philippe Clement has already added Fabio Silva from Wolves on loan in this window as he starts to put his stamp on the squad he inherited from Michael Beale after his sacking.
Left-back remains a priority position for Rangers to recruit, but Wagner WON'T be incoming as he put pen to paper on a deal until 2026 with the option to extend by a further year. He admits he had 'exciting options' in Europe but says his heart played a key role in his decision to stay at a club he's spent nearly five years with to date. He's the club's second all-time assist leader and will be looking to smash that record after securing his future in the MLS.
He told Philadelphia Union's official website: “I’ve been here for almost five years now and continue to grow professionally and personally. I feel highly valued here and have a great bond with the club. My family and I also feel extremely at home here.
"Despite other exciting options in Europe, I decided to extend my contract with the Philadelphia Union because in the end my heart also played a part in my decision. The MLS is an exciting league, and you can see that the development runs in the right direction, also with a view to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. I’m looking forward to continuing to be a part of the league in a great club and, as always, will give my very best for the team so that we can celebrate success together.
"The discussions with the people in charge here were and are characterized by a high level of mutual appreciation. In today’s fast-moving world, my long time spent here has been something special. Now our relationship will continue which makes me very happy. For me, there are definitely more good reasons to stay here than to leave. That is why I said yes again to my club with full conviction.”