Young Full-Back Joins Rangers on Loan, Eyes Nigeria Call-Up

Scottish Premiership powerhouse Rangers has secured the services of 19 year old full-back Jayden Meghoma from Brentford on loan, pending international clearance.

He becomes the second defender with Super Eagles eligibility to join the Light Blues this summer, following Emmanuel Fernandez’s arrival from Peterborough United.

Despite representing England from U15 to U19 levels, Meghoma hasn’t ruled out eventually playing for Nigeria. As he told Brentford’s official site in January 2025 “I’ve grown up in England my whole life. My dad is Nigerian and that is an important part in my life as well. Nigeria are doing quite well, playing for them is a consideration because you never know what happens in football. It’s a decision that might come later on in life, but for me right now in the youth teams, England is the best choice.”

His loan deal runs until the end of the 2025–26 season, marking Rangers’ tenth summer signing to date. It is Meghoma’s second loan since joining Brentford notably spending the season’s second half at Preston North End, where he featured 14 times across all competitions.

A product of Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton youth systems, he signed his first professional contract with the Saints in 2023 before switching to Brentford. Meghoma made his Premier League debut for Brentford against Chelsea in December 2024 and previously made four senior appearances for Southampton.

Editorial

We view Jayden Meghoma’s move to Rangers as a significant step in both his development and the broader narrative of dual-eligible Nigerian talents thriving abroad. At only 19, this loan offers him a platform to refine his skills, experience a different football culture, and potentially make his case for international recognition.

His openness to representing Nigeria, despite extensive involvement with England’s youth teams, speaks volumes about his connection to both identities. That reflection is vital sporting allegiance isn’t always straightforward, and acknowledging multiple facets of one’s identity is wholly legitimate.

Rangers adding him as the club’s tenth signing of the summer underscores their ambition and the trust they place in youthful potential. For Meghoma, this is not just a call-up from another club it’s a launching pad. If he seizes the opportunity, his performances in Glasgow could echo back to inspire youth both in England and Nigeria.

We believe that players like Meghoma reflect the promise of multicultural football today. This loan move is more than a career milestone it positions him at a crossroads of opportunity, identity, and aspiration.

Did You Know?

1. Rangers’ summer signings have now included players from five different nationalities highlighting their growing global recruitment strategy.
2. Preston North End, where Meghoma had his previous loan spell, currently lies within the top six of England’s Championship as of August 2025.
3. Brentford’s youth system has produced several senior pros, including Ivan Toney and Vitaly Janelt.
4. Jayden Meghoma has experience at both defensive and midfield roles during his youth career, showcasing his versatility.
5. Dual eligibility is common among young UK-based players in 2024, over 30 players featured for more than one national youth setup across England, Scotland, and Nigeria.