New arrival Chukwuani welcomes 'huge expectations' at Rangers

Sent off for a late challenge on Celtic captain Callum McGregor, a heart problem that scuppered a Serie A move, a Europa League victory over Rangers this season - and now Tochi Chukwuani has joined the Ibrox club.

The 22-year-old has become Rangers first addition of the January transfer window, joining from Sturm Graz for an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half year deal.

The Dane began training with Nordsjaelland's first team at just 14 and was described as "one of the top players for the future"., external

He made his senior debut as a 16-year-old and 10 months later became the club's youngest league scorer.

He joined Lyngby in 2022, months after La Gazzetta dello Sport reported a transfer to Serie A side Hellas Verona had fallen through because a medical examination found a "small heart defect", external.

He went on to play 58 matches in a two-year stint, scoring five goals.

In the summer of 2024, Chukwuani moved abroad for the first time, signing a four-year deal with Austrian outfit Sturm Graz.

His debut campaign with Graz was a memorable one as he made 27 appearances and scored three times in a title-winning side. He also sampled Champions League football for the first time.

This season, he has faced both Rangers and Celtic in the Europa League, helping Graz beat the Ibrox club 2-1 in Austria before being sent off three weeks later for a rash challenge on Callum McGregor in a 2-1 defeat in Glasgow.

Tough-tackling tenacity is a key part of 6ft 2in Chukwuani's skillset, along with pace.

While mainly deployed as a central defensive midfielder, he has also featured on the left, and is a timely addition following Connor Barron's injury blow.

"He is a player who strengthens our group and offers specific qualities that we believe will enhance our midfield department," said manager Danny Rohl.

"With experience of European competition and winning titles, as well as his technical and physical attributes, he knows exactly what is required to thrive at a club like Rangers."

Internationally, Chukwuani has featured for Denmark at all youth age groups. He has been playing at Under-21 level since 2023 and has scored two goals in 20 appearances.

Chukwuani, who played alongside Rangers pair Mohamed Diomande and Oliver Antman at Nordsjaelland, could make his debut at home to Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup on Friday.

"I'm super excited," he told club media. "Rangers are a huge club and I can't wait to hear the roar at Ibrox.

"It's a historic club with a huge fanbase. There are huge expectations, and this is something as a footballer you want to play in front of.

"It gives motivation every weekend to go and give 100% and do what you can to put smiles on people's faces."