Rangers Battle Sunderland For This 27-Year-Old’s Signing: The Right Man For Rohl’s Defensive Rebuild?

Is Kouao actually the right fit for Rangers’ defensive rebuild?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Rangers manager Danny Röhl is seen during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers and Kilmarnock at Ibrox Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rohl arrived at Ibrox this season with the task of tightening a defence that had been shipping goals at an alarming rate, and the logic behind looking at a free transfer with Kouao’s profile makes sense on paper. His tackle and duel numbers show he’s a physical competitor, and four seasons of regular Ligue 1 football at a club battling relegation prove he can handle high-pressure situations. Those are exactly the kinds of qualities that should translate well for a squad still looking for consistency in the Scottish Premiership.

That said, the scouting report has some downsides. His possession won in the final third, just 0.3 per game, suggests he rarely helps win the ball back high up the pitch, which could be a problem if Rohl wants a dynamic, overlapping right-back who constantly joins the attack.

Kouao’s return of eight assists in 113 games is pretty low, and since Metz have struggled near the bottom this season, his stats have come against lower-level Ligue 1 teams rather than top European sides. Rangers need a player who can really improve the right flank, and Kouao, at his best, offers stability rather than flair. If Rohl wants defensive reliability on a free, Kouao is a smart, low-risk option. However, if the plan is to find an attack-minded full-back, the search should probably continue.