Fee of €3.6 million confirmed
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The Rangers have made a significant January transfer by signing Tuur Rommens, a defender from Westerlo. The 22-year-old full-back joins the Scottish giants for €3.6 million, with Westerlo set to receive 15 percent of any future sell-on fee. This transfer marks Rommens as Rangers’ ninth most expensive defensive signing ever, and the highest fee paid for a defender since 2022. But who is Rommens, and what can Ibrox fans expect from their new acquisition?
What to Expect from Tuur Rommens?
Rommens began his career at Westerlo before moving to Genk in 2012, where he progressed through their youth ranks, eventually returning to Westerlo in 2023. Since returning, he has secured a first-team position and garnered interest in the transfer market. According to Bart Tamysn, a Belgian football expert from Transfermarkt, “Last season was his best, and there were expectations for him to move to a better league during the summer. However, Westerlo could not afford to let both left-backs go after Jordan Bos’s transfer to Feyenoord. With Lucas Mbamba showcasing his abilities in that position, and Bryan Reynolds available to cover in emergencies, this seems like the right moment for Rommens to move.”
During his time at Westerlo, Rommens appeared in 79 matches, showing versatility by playing as a left winger and a central defender. However, his primary role will be as a left-back in Danny Röhl’s system, which is looking for a reliable starter. Tamysn describes Rommens’ playing style: “He is physically robust and consistently pushes up and down the flank. Defensively, he is tenacious, making it difficult for opponents to shake him off. He has the ability to contribute offensively with quality crosses, although his four assists in 55 matches over the last year and a half are rather modest. He is a natural leader on the field and possesses an excellent mentality.”
Assessing Rommens’ Potential
Rommens has yet to receive a call-up to the Belgian national team but has been a key player for the U19 and U21 squads. His transfer to Rangers could be the catalyst he needs to break into Rudi Garcia’s plans for the national team by 2026. Tamysn noted, “Currently, there’s no discussion around Rommens joining the national team due to competition from players like Maxim De Cuyper of Brighton and Joaquin Seys from Club Brugge, as well as Diego Moreira and Timothy Castagne. However, this move may increase his visibility.”
Could Rommens leverage his time at Rangers as a springboard to the Premier League? “It’s a possibility, but first, we must see if he can thrive at Rangers,” Tamysn replied. “This transfer represents a significant opportunity for him after struggling to break into the first team at KRC Genk. Westerlo has a track record of developing young talent who subsequently succeed in the top five leagues, either directly or through other clubs.”
Whether a national team call-up or a Premier League opportunity is on the horizon, Tuur Rommens is poised to capitalize on his move to Glasgow. With Rangers facing challenges at left-back this season, it won’t be long before Rommens solidifies his position in Röhl’s starting XI.
