- Kenny McLean signs new Norwich City contract until 2028, ending Rangers speculation.
- Former Rangers academy player remains central to Norwich plans after Player of the Season award.
- McLean previously admitted opportunity to play for Rangers would appeal emotionally.
Any lingering speculation linking Kenny McLean with a return to Rangers can now be firmly dismissed after Norwich City confirmed the Scotland international has signed a new two-year contract extension at Carrow Road.
The deal will keep the 34-year-old at Norwich until the summer of 2028 and extend his stay into a remarkable tenth season with the Championship club.
In doing so he has ending months of recurring suggestions over a potential move back to Ibrox.
Kenny McLean extends Norwich City deal
In a statement released by Norwich City, the club confirmed their captain had committed his future following another influential campaign in midfield.
McLean said: “I’m over the moon to know that I’m going to be here for the next couple of years.
“It’s a place that me and my family call home.
“The environment I find myself in every day with the staff and the players is great to be amongst.
“I want more of that. I think everything is being laid now to bring that success to the football club. I’m desperate to be a part of that.”
McLean’s importance at Carrow Road has only strengthened in recent seasons.
The former Aberdeen midfielder was recently named Norwich City Player of the Season for the second time in three years.
Deserved recognition of his continued consistency and leadership within the squad.
Since arriving from Aberdeen in January 2018, McLean has made 310 appearances for Norwich, scoring 15 goals and registering 30 assists.
Also helping the club secure two Championship titles in 2018/19 and 2020/21.
Kenny McLean on his Rangers dream
McLean’s future had repeatedly been tied to Rangers given his background as a boyhood supporter.
He also came through the Ibrox academy system before building his senior career elsewhere.
The midfielder had previously admitted the emotional pull of a potential move back to Glasgow.
“If you’re brought up and that’s who you support, then of course I would,” McLean said when asked about the possibility of representing Rangers.
“My family would be over the moon.”
Readrangers.com analysis – Jack Cranmer
However, the new agreement effectively closes the door on that prospect for the foreseeable future. And at his age, potentially for good.
McLean had already hinted earlier this year that his immediate future was settled after revealing an extension clause in his previous deal had been activated. This latest contract now removes any remaining uncertainty.
The ‘Mayor of Norwich‘ will continue to work under former Gers boss Phillipe Clement.
The duo will contribute once again as City target a return to the English Premier League.
He will also represent Scotland at this summer’s World Cup in North America after being named in Steve Clarke‘s squad.
He will join Rangers quartet Liam Kelly, John Souttar, Findlay Curtis and new signing Lawrence Shankland at the tournament.
Rangers and Danny Rohl‘s attention is expected to remain elsewhere in midfield planning, while McLean stays firmly embedded as one of Norwich’s central figures on and off the pitch.
With Bailey Rice yet to sign an extension to his deal and Nico Raskin expected to depart, Rohl will require midfield reinforcements this summer.
Nedim Bajrami and Lyall Cameron have also been told he can depart Ibrox, with Paul Nsio expected to go on loan within the Scottish Premiership.
