Luke Graham Transfer Saga Heats Up Between Dundee, Rangers

GLASGOW (Azat TV) – Scottish Premiership club Dundee is demanding a club-record fee for highly-rated Scotland U21 defender Luke Graham, as Scottish giants Rangers have significantly escalated their interest in securing the 22-year-old’s services. This development signals a potentially contentious transfer battle for one of Scottish football’s most promising young talents, with Dundee making it clear they will only part with Graham for a substantial sum exceeding £2 million, plus add-ons.

Rangers’ technical director, Dan Purdy, was reportedly in attendance to scout Graham during Dundee’s recent draw with Livingston, confirming the Ibrox side’s intensified pursuit. While interest from Rangers has escalated, Record Sport understands that as of mid-February 2026, there has been no direct contact with Dundee or the player’s representatives. This situation mirrors a growing trend of top clubs closely monitoring Graham, who has consistently performed at a high level.

Dundee’s Valuation and Graham’s Rising Stock

Dundee’s firm stance on Luke Graham’s valuation underscores his importance to the club and his burgeoning reputation. In the January transfer window, Dundee rejected multiple bids for the centre-back, including a record-breaking offer of over £1.5 million from English League One side Portsmouth on deadline day. Despite the financial allure of such an offer, Dundee’s manager Steven Pressley made it explicitly clear that he wished to retain Graham to aid the club’s Premiership relegation battle. Dundee’s hierarchy remains unconcerned by the escalating interest, as Graham is contracted until the end of the next season, providing them with strong negotiating leverage.

Graham, who progressed through Dundee’s youth ranks after joining from St Johnstone, has steadily made his mark after successful loan spells at Lochee United, Albion Rovers, Montrose, and Falkirk. His impactful season at Falkirk, where he played a crucial role in their promotion back to the top-flight, set the stage for his current prominence under Pressley at Dens Park.

Rangers’ Escalated Pursuit and Club Interest

Rangers’ heightened interest in Luke Graham has been widely reported by outlets such as The Scottish Sun and BBC Sport. While Rangers appear to be leading the charge, they are far from the only club monitoring the young defender. Celtic has also been linked, though no concrete developments have emerged on that front. Beyond Scotland, multiple English Championship clubs have already made inquiries, with reported interest also stemming from the English Premier League, Major League Soccer (MLS), Italy’s Serie A, Portugal, Belgium, and the Czech Republic.

The competitive landscape for Graham’s signature suggests a bidding war could ensue, pushing his transfer fee well beyond the £2 million mark Dundee has indicated. This level of demand highlights Graham’s appeal across various football leagues, making him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Scottish football.

Managerial Backing and Defensive Prowess

Dundee manager Steven Pressley has been a vocal proponent of Luke Graham’s talent, publicly backing him to reach the Premier League and represent the senior Scotland national team. Pressley, who previously worked with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, stated he places Graham “right up there next to him” in terms of exceptional young talent. Graham’s consistent presence at the back for Dundee, starting 25 of their 26 league matches, supports this high praise.

Statistical analysis further illustrates Graham’s defensive prowess. He ranks among the top 10 in the Scottish Premiership for several key defensive metrics. Notably, he is third for duels won, boasting an impressive 66% success rate, and also features in the top six for clearances and blocks. Pressley even suggested that Graham, despite his youth, could be considered for Scotland’s World Cup squad based on his current form, telling BBC Sport that if national team manager Steve Clarke were to ask, he would recommend him.

Context of Previous Transfers

The potential transfer of Luke Graham to Rangers comes with a recent history of complex dealings between the two clubs. Last summer, Rangers signed Lyall Cameron from Dundee on a freedom of contract. The clubs were unable to agree on a fee, leading the matter to be decided by a tribunal. Cameron has since been loaned out to Aberdeen. This precedent suggests that negotiations for Graham could be intricate and potentially protracted, with Dundee likely to hold firm on their valuation given their previous experience and Graham’s remaining contract term.

The heightened interest from a club of Rangers’ stature, coupled with Dundee’s unwavering demand for a record fee and manager Steven Pressley’s strong endorsement, underscores Luke Graham’s emergence as a pivotal figure in the Scottish transfer market, signaling a significant valuation shift for promising young talent in the Premiership.