Rohl’s own O’Riley: Rangers in talks to sign “box-to-box” sensation

There were initial concerns that Rangers’ latest managerial appointment could mirror the ill-fated Russell Martin experiment, but Danny Rohl has quickly silenced the sceptics with an impressive start at Ibrox.

Saturday’s emphatic comeback victory over Celtic further underlined that progress, with the German coach now boasting 29 points from his first 12 Premiership matches, suffering just a single defeat. While results in Europe have been less convincing, patience is required, and Rohl’s appointment from south of the border is already proving far more successful domestically.

With only six points separating Rangers from league leaders Hearts at the top of the Premiership, the timing feels right for the club to fully back their head coach and provide him with the resources needed to sustain a genuine title challenge. Encouragingly, signs suggest that work is already underway behind the scenes.

Rangers make midfield move ahead of January deal

Although the January transfer window is already approaching its second week, Rangers have yet to complete a signing. However, midfield is believed to be a key area of focus for Rohl. Recent reports have linked the Gers with Motherwell’s Elliot Watt, who has been widely touted as one of the standout midfielders in the league this season.

Watt is not the only option being considered. According to Italian outlet Il Secolo XIX, via tuttomercatoweb, Rangers have also made an enquiry about Emil Bohinen. The 26-year-old Norwegian, currently on loan at Venezia from Genoa, could be available for another temporary move this month.

The report suggests Bohinen is expected to make a final decision in the coming days, with Rangers firmly among the clubs interested in securing his services.

Why Emil Bohinen could be Rohl’s answer to Matt O’Riley

A move for Bohinen may appear somewhat unconventional, but the comparisons are intriguing. Like former Celtic star Matt O’Riley, Bohinen is an English-born, technically gifted, left-footed midfielder capable of operating box-to-box.

O’Riley arrived in Glasgow from MK Dons in January 2022 and rapidly established himself as a key figure under Ange Postecoglou and later Brendan Rodgers. During his time at Celtic, he registered an impressive 62 goals and assists across 124 appearances before sealing a £25 million move to Brighton in the summer of 2024.

Standing at 6ft 1in and left-footed, O’Riley’s defining quality was his ability to burst into the penalty area, highlighted by 18 Premiership goals during the 2023/24 campaign. Bohinen shares similar attributes, with talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as a “box-to-box” midfielder and comparing him to Arsenal’s Mikel Merino.

While Bohinen’s recent spell in Italy has been challenging — failing to register a goal or assist for Genoa or Venezia — he has shown flashes of quality elsewhere. He netted three times in 12 Serie B appearances for Frosinone and previously recorded 19 goals and assists in 73 games for Norwegian side Stabæk.

At 26, Bohinen may not fit the profile of a long-term development project, but there is clear upside if he can settle and rediscover his form. O’Riley himself faced setbacks early in his career, being released by Fulham before rebuilding at MK Dons, ultimately proving his blend of physicality and technical ability was perfectly suited to Scottish football.

If Rangers can secure Bohinen’s signature, Rohl will be hoping history can repeat itself on the blue half of Glasgow.

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