The Norwegian national team manager Ståle Solbakken has been crystal clear that League One does not have enough level to defend a national team place. Thelo Aasgaard, who has impressed in the chances he has been given, cannot “afford” to be relegated with Luton Town if he is to have any hope of being stable inside for Norway.
The Daily Mail reports today that the 23-year-old Norwegian midfielder Thelo Aasgaard, who announced a transfer from Wigan to Luton Town, has found a lifeline in the form of the Scottish big club Rangers.
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Rangers are in talks to sign Thelo Aasgaard from Luton Town. The news comes as the club has confirmed the signing of Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth on a three-year contract.
Aasgaard was bought for £3 million and Luton are expected to make a good profit on the sale.
Joe
Rothwell, 30, spent last season on loan at Leeds United, where he was a key player in the team that secured promotion to the Premier League. The former Manchester United academy player is a defensive midfielder with strengths in his game understanding and passing game.
Rothwell previously worked with new Rangers manager Russell Martin during a loan spell at Southampton in the Championship.
After the transfer, Rothwell stated:
“I’m incredibly happy that the transfer is in place. This is amazing. The size of the club speaks for itself, and as soon as the interest was there, it was an immediate yes from my side. Russell (Martin) coming here made the choice even easier – I know him from before and know how he works.”
Rangers manager Russell Martin added:
“Joe is a player we really appreciated when we worked together at Southampton. His leadership skills, professionalism and quality were invaluable. He comes here after two promotions, which brings a winning mentality to the group.”
Aasgaard on the
radar Russel Martin is looking for creative midfielders and has found Aasgaard.
Aasgaard was born in Liverpool, but has a Norwegian father and is a national team player for Norway.
After playing alongside Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard in the national team, Luton manager Matt Bloomfield said:
“He was among elite players and looked completely at home.”
Aasgaard went through Liverpool’s academy before playing over 160 games for Wigan in the Championship and League One.
New defensive signing
On Wednesday evening, Rangers also announced the signing of Peterborough centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez, 23, who made 42 appearances in League One last year.
Fernandez stated:
“I was shocked when I heard about the Rangers interest – this is such a big club. I haven’t played at this level before, but I’m up for the challenge and can’t wait to get started.”
Ståle Solbakken already made it clear in June that Aasgaard will drop out of the national team squad if he plays in the English 2nd division. Aasgaard made his debut for Norway this spring, with an impressive effort against Moldova where he both scored and provided an assist.
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