IT was back in July when the bombshell news dropped that Todd Cantwell had asked to leave Rangers.
But just a few months after the midfielder headed for the Ibrox exit door, he’s opened the door to an incredible return to the club.
Todd Cantwell left Rangers for Blackburn in the summer[/caption]
He was sidelined during pre-season with the Gers[/caption]
He spent just 18 months at Ibrox[/caption]
Cantwell, 26, joined Rangers in January 2023 and was Michael Beale’s first signing.
Arriving from Norwich, the former England under-21 star quickly became a fans’ favourite.
Cantwell remained a key man heading into his first full season as a Rangers player and was part of the side that won the League Cup a year ago.
But his relationship with Philippe Clement, who had replaced Beale as manager in October, appeared a strained one.
In particular, Clement’s decision to substitute Cantwell during the FIRST-HALF of a Europa League clash with Aris Limassol at Ibrox raised plenty of eyebrows.
However, Cantwell continued to play a key role throughout the campaign.
But as it turned out, it would be his ONLY full season as a Rangers player.
Cantwell was left on the sidelines as the Light Blues began their pre-season campaign.
And in late July, after the Gers’ friendly clash with Birmingham, Clement dramatically returned to a news conference to drop some huge news.
He stunned the gathered media by revealing that Cantwell had asked to LEAVE Rangers.
Clement revealed Cantwell had been sent to the B team and he ended up never playing for Rangers again.
He remained at the club for more than a month after that bombshell reveal before eventually sealing an exit on transfer deadline day.
Cantwell returned to England with Blackburn Rovers and has quickly endeared himself to the fans at Ewood Park.
Blackburn, managed by former Rangers trialist John Eustace, are currently 9th and three points off the play-off places.
But while Cantwell certainly appears to be enjoying life at his new club, it appears he hasn’t forgotten about Rangers.
And in a social media post, he’s even hinted that he would like to RETURN in the future.
A fan posted a video containing some highlights of Cantwell’s time at Rangers.
NINTCHDBPICT000950804585[/caption]
Cantwell himself re-shared the post to his Instagram stories.
Along with it, he posted: “Such a special club, we had some fun.
“You hold a massive piece of my heart.
“Maybe one day again.”
Meanwhile, Rangers legend Ian Durrant has earmarked John Souttar as a future club captain.
The central defender has been in superb form this season and earned plaudits for his showing in Scotland’s 2-1 win over Poland.
Durrant said: “Big Souttar’s been absolutely immense these last ten days. He looks like he could be a leader.
“If James Tavernier was to come out of the team, the manager could now go to Souttar or Jack Butland. Souttar is now an experienced boy for the captaincy.
“If things are getting tough, he’ll be one of the ones you look to have in the trenches with you.
“He’s stood up and he’s been absolutely immense for Scotland.
“I just hope he now carries on and is immense for Rangers.”
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