Alan Shearer to Danny Röhl: “Go Ahead and Sign the Former Celtic Star Who’s Already Twerking His Way to Ibrox”

 

Alan Shearer has urged Rangers manager Danny Röhl to make a bold move in the transfer market, insisting there is one former Celtic player who could transform the Ibrox attack. The Newcastle legend, never one to mince his words, claims the ex Hoops forward is “already twerking his way to Ibrox” and that the Gers should act before someone else does.

In what is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing Scottish football storylines of the season, Shearer believes the player in question has unfinished business in Glasgow. Once tipped for stardom across the city, he is now winning plaudits on the continent and catching the attention of top flight scouts once again. For Shearer, it is simple: this is a redemption arc waiting to happen.

That player is Jonathon Afolabi, a name that still divides opinion among Celtic supporters. The 24 year old striker, who spent three years on the books at Celtic between 2019 and 2022, never managed a senior appearance at Parkhead. But since leaving the green and white behind, Afolabi’s journey through the footballing ranks has been one of grit, perseverance and growth. Now, his resurgence has sparked whispers of a shock move to Rangers, a twist that would light up the Old Firm rivalry all over again.

A Career Reborn Abroad

After leaving Celtic, Afolabi rebuilt his career the hard way. His early years were a blur of loan spells with Dunfermline, Dundee, Ayr United and Airdrieonians where he fought for minutes and tried to prove his worth. Those stints produced glimpses of talent but also frustration as the forward struggled for stability and a consistent platform to perform.

Everything changed when he joined Bohemians in Ireland’s Premier Division in 2022. There, the once overlooked striker flourished, scoring 15 goals in 37 matches and becoming one of the league’s standout performers. His mix of pace, power and composure in front of goal turned heads, not least among scouts from mainland Europe.

That form earned him a move to KV Kortrijk in Belgium in 2024, and although the team battled through a tough campaign, Afolabi stood out for his relentless pressing and physical dominance. A subsequent loan to SC Cambuur in the Netherlands for the 2024 to 2025 season has furthered his reputation as a late bloomer with untapped potential, exactly the type of player who thrives when given the right system.

Shearer’s Verdict and Röhl’s Vision

Alan Shearer, speaking on a football podcast earlier this week, praised Afolabi’s journey and urged Danny Röhl to take the plunge.

“He’s got something to prove, and you can see it in his game,” Shearer said. “He’s stronger, more confident, and he’s got that hunger you want in a striker. I’d say he’s already twerking his way to Ibrox. The boy wants it. Röhl should just go and get him.”

For Röhl, who continues to refine his Rangers side with a focus on youthful, athletic profiles, a move for Afolabi would make sense. The German coach has been open about his desire for forwards who press, link and finish, and the Irishman fits that blueprint. He is no longer the raw teenager Celtic once gambled on. He is a matured, battle tested frontman ready for a bigger stage.

An Ibrox insider told reporters that Röhl has already received glowing scouting reports.

“He’s not the same player who left Celtic. He’s learned from setbacks, and that resilience shows in how he plays now. He’s got the technical base from his English academy days and the street smarts from the Irish league. He’s a handful.”

If the deal were to happen, the symbolism would be unmissable. A player once discarded by Celtic finding redemption across the city at Rangers is the kind of twist that fuels football folklore in Glasgow. For Afolabi, it would be a chance to rewrite his Scottish story. For Rangers, an opportunity to unearth a gem Celtic could not polish.

Shearer added:

“It’s always satisfying seeing a player come back and prove people wrong. He’s been through the loan carousel, he’s had to fight for every contract. But now you look at him and think yes, that’s a player who’s ready for his moment.”

Whether Röhl decides to act on Shearer’s advice remains to be seen, but one thing is certain. Afolabi’s name is back on the Scottish radar. With Rangers chasing silverware and looking to strengthen ahead of a busy campaign, a powerful, proven forward with something to prove might be just what they need.

From Parkhead potential to European persistence, Jonathon Afolabi’s career has come full circle. And if Alan Shearer’s words are anything to go by, the next chapter could be written at Ibrox, a place few expected him to end up, but one where destiny might finally give him his due.

As Shearer put it with a grin:

“Sometimes football loves a good twist, and this one is already dancing its way to Ibrox.”