NafisaMany supporters expected this summer to be dominated by transfer speculation, with a number of Scottish Premiership stars continually linked with moves to bigger clubs.
For Rangers, recruitment has remained one of the biggest talking points following Derek McInnes’ arrival at Ibrox. Alongside confirmed arrivals, several domestic talents have repeatedly been mentioned as possible targets, keeping supporters closely following developments across the league.
As is often the case during the transfer window, however, not every player linked with a move to Ibrox ultimately ends up wearing the famous blue shirt. While rumours continue to circulate, clubs across Britain have been moving quickly to wrap up deals before the new campaign begins.
That has now happened with one player who had previously been mentioned in connection with Rangers.
Luke Graham has officially completed his move from Dundee to Stoke City, with the Championship club confirming the transfer after agreeing a deal reported by Dundee as an “undisclosed club-record fee.”
Although Rangers had been credited with an interest in the highly-rated defender in recent months as the club looked to strengthen its Scottish core, Stoke ultimately won the race for his signature.
The 22-year-old also confirmed the move through his social media channels after the transfer was finalised.
Graham leaves Dens Park following an outstanding 2025/26 campaign in which he made 40 appearances while collecting both Dundee’s Young Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
A product of the Dundee academy, Graham developed through loan spells with Lochee United, Albion Rovers, Montrose and Falkirk before establishing himself in the first team.
His performances also earned recognition on the international stage, receiving a Scotland Under-21 call-up before joining the senior squad’s pre-World Cup training camp in May, where he was named on the bench for the friendly against Curacao.
Speaking before leaving the club, Graham expressed his appreciation to everyone connected with Dundee.
“Dundee has been massive for me. I wouldn’t be sat here if it wasn’t for Dundee taking a chance on me as a young kid coming through the academy.
“I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone around the club, all the supporters, all the teammates and everyone I’ve worked with.”
While Rangers supporters may be disappointed that a player previously linked with Ibrox has chosen another destination, the club’s recruitment team continues to work on several other targets as Derek McInnes reshapes his squad ahead of the new season.
For Stoke City, meanwhile, the signing represents an investment in one of Scotland’s brightest young defenders, with the Potters hoping Graham can continue the impressive development that made him one of the standout performers in the Scottish Premiership last season.
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