Ibrox Intent: The Tactical Logic Behind Rangers’ Growing Obsession with Romaine Mundle
By Gemini News Service | January 15, 2026
GLASGOW – The January transfer window is often defined by frantic, last-minute gambles, but for Rangers, the pursuit of Sunderland’s Romaine Mundle is beginning to look like a calculated obsession.
As of today, January 15, a second significant report from Sky Sports’ Keith Downie has confirmed that Rangers’ interest in the 22-year-old winger is “growing,” even as the club finalizes a blockbuster deal for Wolfsburg’s Andreas Skov Olsen. For manager Danny Röhl, the mission is clear: provide the depth and “X-factor” necessary to overhaul a three-point gap and snatch the Scottish Premiership title from current leaders Hearts.
The “Double Report” Breakdown
The first link between Ibrox and the Stadium of Light emerged on January 9, suggesting a double enquiry for Mundle and Sunderland captain Dan Neil. However, it is this week’s “second report” that has truly caught the attention of the Rangers faithful.
Despite the imminent arrival of Skov Olsen—who is currently undergoing a medical in Glasgow ahead of a loan move with a €10m (£8.6m) option to buy—Röhl is reportedly refusing to drop his interest in Mundle. The German coach, who faced both players during his tenure at Sheffield Wednesday, views Mundle not as an alternative to Olsen, but as a vital supplement to an attack that has often looked one-dimensional this season.
“Danny Röhl is looking to remould this team in his image,” noted transfer expert Tom Weber. “He inherited a squad built for a different philosophy. Mundle represents the pace, directness, and tactical flexibility that Röhl’s high-intensity system demands.”
Who is Romaine Mundle?
To those outside the North East of England, Mundle remains a somewhat enigmatic figure. A product of the Tottenham Hotspur academy, Mundle famously turned down a contract extension in London to seek first-team football with Belgian side Standard Liège.
Sunderland brought him back to England for €2m in early 2024, and he played a supporting role in their fairy-tale promotion to the Premier League. However, the step up to the top flight has proven difficult.
Despite his lack of starts this term, Mundle is described by former teammates as “brilliant” and “exceptional” in one-on-one situations. His ability to play on either flank—cutting inside from the left or stretching play on the right—makes him a “Swiss Army Knife” for a manager like Röhl.
The Sunderland Stance: A Battle of Will
The primary hurdle for Rangers remains Sunderland’s reluctance to weaken their own squad. Under Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have enjoyed a stellar return to the Premier League, currently sitting comfortably mid-table.
Le Bris has admitted that “the conversation is open” for players lacking minutes, but he is reportedly “intent” on keeping Mundle as injury cover unless a significant replacement is found. Sunderland fans are particularly protective of Mundle, seeing him as the natural heir to the creative spark left by Jack Clarke’s departure.
However, Mundle himself is reportedly “keen to leave” on a temporary basis. At 22, he recognizes that his development has stalled on the bench, and the prospect of playing in front of 50,000 at Ibrox in a title race is far more alluring than 10-minute cameos at the Stadium of Light.
The “Röhl Effect” and Squad Reshaping
Rangers’ January business has been nothing short of explosive. The club has already secured:
- Tochi Chukwuani: The powerhouse midfielder from Sturm Graz.
- Tuur Rommens: The highly-rated left-back from Westerlo in a £3.5m deal.
- Andreas Skov Olsen: The marquee winger from the Bundesliga.
So, why go for Mundle too? The answer lies in the treatment room. With Dujon Sterling and Connor Barron sidelined with long-term injuries, and rumors that Djeidi Gassama could be headed for an exit to Villarreal, Röhl is terrified of a late-season collapse due to a lack of bodies.
Competition from the Continent
Rangers are not the only club circling. The “second report” highlights that Feyenoord, Espanyol, and Club Brugge are all monitoring Mundle’s situation. Feyenoord, in particular, has a history of scouting the English market for undervalued gems, making Rangers’ swift movement all the more critical.
The Verdict: Will It Happen?
The next 48 hours will be decisive. If Rangers can convince Sunderland that a six-month loan in Glasgow will increase Mundle’s market value—and if the player continues to push for the move—a deal is highly likely.
Rangers fans have seen “false dawns” before, but the pursuit of Mundle signals a new era of ambition under Danny Röhl. This is no longer a club just looking to compete; they are a club looking to dominate.