Max Aarons says he is “loving life” at Rangers and can absolutely see himself staying at Ibrox long term, with the on-loan Bournemouth right-back revealing that his connection with Danny Röhl and the environment at the club has changed everything about his Rangers experience.
The 25-year-old arrived in Glasgow to big expectation but endured a difficult start to the season.
However, since Röhl took over, Aarons has improved and is now looking to push on with his new side.
Aarons was frank about how quickly things have shifted under the German head coach who took over from the sacked Russell Martin who recruited Aarons to the club.
He explained: “Since the new manager came in, I feel a lot better.
“Really confident, and I feel like I’m building in a good direction.”
Röhl took a hands-on approach to improving the defender’s game.
Aarons explained: “He looked at my early games and told me the areas he wanted me to play in more - going forward, attacking, the runs I’m making.”
By simplifying his responsibilities and reinforcing his strengths, Röhl has helped Aarons regain the assertiveness that defined his rise at Norwich City.
He said: “He simplified things to get the best out of me.
“I can feel that trust from him.”
The defender’s tone made one thing clear: he has fallen for the club quickly.
He said: “Playing for this club and playing at Ibrox are amazing experiences.
“I’m loving it.”
Aarons says the shift in atmosphere since Röhl’s arrival - both in training and in results - has completely reshaped how he sees his future.
He said: “The start was disappointing, but with the new manager coming in we’ve had some really good results in the league.”
And when asked directly whether he could imagine staying beyond his loan spell, Aarons didn’t hesitate and said: “For sure. Playing here long-term?
“Definitely. I’m loving it - and that goes hand in hand with better results and better form.”
This is the clearest indication, yet that Aarons would be open to a permanent Rangers move if the club are interested in keeping him on.
The defender hinted that he sees a long-term pathway under the German: “I feel like I’m building something.
“It’s about putting this into more good performances and getting us to our best level.”
With Rangers expected to undergo further squad reshaping in 2026, Aarons is hoping he has positioned himself as a player who could form part of the club’s defensive core for seasons to come.
Aarons knows Rangers must improve in Europe to match their domestic trajectory, and views this as part of the long-term challenge he wants to stay for.
He said: “The manager has spoken a lot about doing better in Europe, and we know we need to show that.”