Rangers have completed their first signing of the January transfer window with the capture of Danish midfielder Tochi Chukwuani from Sturm Graz in a deal reported to be worth north of £4 million ahead of this afternoon's match with Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
The 22-year-old has agreed an initial three-and-a-half-year contract, subject to international clearance and a work permit, becoming Danny Röhl’s first addition since taking charge at Ibrox in October.
In a club statement, Rangers confirmed: “Rangers Football Club can today announce the signing of Tochi Chukwuani from Sturm Graz on an initial three-and-a-half-year deal, subject to international clearance and the obtainment of a work permit.”
A 22-year-old Danish midfielder who lifted the Austrian Bundesliga last season, Chukwuani becomes the first addition to Danny Röhl’s squad in the January transfer window.”
The signing addresses a key priority area for Röhl, who has been keen to strengthen the defensive midfield department following injuries to Connor Barron, Bailey Rice and ongoing concerns about depth in the number six role.
Chukwuani’s rise through European football has been steady and impressive - and has been tracked by Rangers recruitment specialist Robbie Thelwell.
A product of the FC Nordsjælland academy, he made his senior debut at just 16 years old, becoming the sixth youngest player in Danish Superliga history.
He also etched his name into the club’s record books by becoming their youngest-ever league goalscorer when he netted against FC Midtjylland at 17.
His early career saw him play alongside current Rangers teammates Mohamed Diomande and Oliver Antman, before a move to Lyngby in 2022 where he made over 50 appearances.
That consistency earned him a switch to Sturm Graz ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. In Austria, Chukwuani featured over 30 times as Sturm lifted the Bundesliga title and competed in the UEFA Champions League, adding elite-level experience to his résumé.
On the international stage, he has represented Denmark from Under-16 to Under-21 level and captained his country at the Under-21 European Championships.
Rangers head coach Danny Röhl was quick to highlight both Chukwuani’s mentality and pedigree.
“We are really excited to bring Tochi to the club,” Röhl said.
“He is a player who strengthens our group and offers specific qualities that we believe will enhance our midfield department.
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.”
Speaking to Rangers TV after completing his move, Chukwuani made it clear he understands the scale of the club he has joined.
“I’m super excited, finally getting the green light to come here,” he said.
“Obviously, Rangers is a huge club, and I can’t wait to hear the roar inside Ibrox.”
The midfielder was equally clear about what attracts him to life in Glasgow.
“It’s a historic club, obviously a huge fan base, huge expectations, and this is something, as a footballer, that you want to play for.
This gives more motivation to go every weekend and give 100 percent and do what you can to put a smile on a lot of people’s faces.”
Chukwuani is aware of the legacy he is stepping into.
“I knew it’s the greatest club in Scotland, and a lot of huge players have played here – [Paul] Gascoigne, Brian Laudrup, I can go on.
It’s a club where there’s a lot of history, loads of pressure as well, which is lovely. It’s a fantastic place.”
On the pitch, Chukwuani describes himself as a complete modern midfielder rather than a specialist.
“I would call myself an all-around midfielder.
“I wouldn’t classify myself as a number 10 or 8 or 6 – I can play in each of these three positions.”
His self-assessment will excite Rangers supporters.
“I’m a strong, physical guy, very good on the ball. I like to dictate play, and I also love tackling and getting the ball back so we can play forward again.
I like to play forward football – that’s my play style.”
With Barron sidelined for up to eight weeks, Chukwuani’s arrival offers Röhl a timely solution in the heart of midfield.
Chukwuani’s experience with Sturm Graz could prove invaluable in Rangers title push.
“I learned how much it really takes to win a title,” he explained.
“It’s each training session, even off the pitch, how you prepare yourself for the next day, just to get that one per cent better.”
He also referenced the pressure of decisive moments.
“Playing the last game in front of the fans, with the pressure – that’s when you really understand what it takes.
I think I will try to take that here and hopefully we can replicate that at Rangers.”
Ironically, Chukwuani played against Rangers in the UEFA Europa League earlier this season when Sturm Graz defeated the Light Blues.
“That’s how football goes fast,” he laughed.
“We beat Rangers in the Europa League, but I could already feel how big of a club Rangers is.”
Conversations with former teammates helped cement the move.
“When I spoke with Antman and Diomande, I could really understand what Rangers is really about – why they say, ‘We are the people.’”
Chukwuani also featured in the UEFA Europa League against Celtic – being sent off for a late challenge on Hoops captain Callum McGregor.
With Rangers sitting firmly in the title race and pushing to strengthen in key areas, Chukwuani believes he has arrived at the right moment.
“This is more than perfect,” he said.
“But it’s a marathon. We take it each game at a time.”
He is expected to be included in the matchday squad for today’s trip to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen, with Belgian left-back Tuur Rommens also likely to be confirmed before kick-off.