NafisaRangers have moved quickly to address another problem in Derek McInnes’ squad, with the Ibrox hierarchy closing in on a player who knows the Scottish game extremely well.
The need for defensive reinforcements has become increasingly obvious in recent days, particularly after Tuur Rommens picked up an injury that is expected to keep him out for several weeks.
That has left McInnes with limited natural cover at left-back, forcing Rangers to explore the market for an experienced option who can immediately compete for a starting place.
It is a position the club have been working on behind the scenes, with several names considered as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
And Rangers now appear to have settled on their preferred solution.
Rangers agree loan deal with buy option
Rangers have agreed a deal to sign James Penrice from AEK Athens on loan, with an option to make the move permanent.
A medical has also been booked for Friday, meaning the transfer is now entering its final stages.
The agreement represents a significant development after Rangers had previously encountered difficulties in negotiations with the Greek champions.
Recent reports had indicated that Rangers and AEK were apart over the financial structure of a proposed loan, with the Ibrox club determined to include a purchase option.
The latest update suggests those issues have now been overcome.
If Penrice successfully completes his medical, Rangers will be able to add another experienced left-back to McInnes’ squad.
Why Rangers wanted Penrice
The move makes considerable sense from Rangers’ perspective.
Penrice is not an unknown quantity in Scottish football.
The 27-year-old previously enjoyed a standout campaign with Hearts, earning both the club’s Player of the Year award and a place in the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year before moving to AEK Athens.
He also has extensive experience from his spells with Hearts, Livingston and Partick Thistle.
That could make him particularly attractive to McInnes, who already knows the player and has previously spoken extremely highly of him.
In fact, McInnes once compared Penrice to a young Andy Robertson and revealed that he had attempted to sign him during his time at Kilmarnock.
The Rangers boss therefore knows exactly what he could be getting.
Tuur Rommens injury accelerated Rangers’ search
The timing of the move is no coincidence.
Rommens’ injury has left Rangers needing additional cover on the left side of their defence, with limited senior alternatives available to McInnes.
That situation forced Rangers to accelerate their search.
Penrice consequently fits the requirement perfectly: he is experienced, familiar with Scottish football and capable of stepping into the team without requiring a lengthy adaptation period.
The fact Rangers are reportedly bringing him in on loan also reduces the immediate financial commitment while giving the club the opportunity to decide later whether he deserves a permanent move.
Penrice wanted the Rangers move
Another important factor is believed to be the player’s own preference.
Penrice was keen on returning to Scotland after finding regular first-team opportunities difficult to guarantee at AEK Athens.
Rangers had already made progress on personal terms with the player during earlier negotiations.
The main obstacle was therefore the agreement between the two clubs.
AEK had initially been reluctant to sanction the loan structure Rangers wanted, with the Greek side reportedly preferring a permanent transfer.
That made the latest breakthrough particularly important.
Rangers continue rebuilding under McInnes
Penrice would become another addition to a Rangers squad undergoing significant change under McInnes.
The manager has already overseen a major recruitment drive this summer, but injuries have demonstrated that simply adding first-team players is not enough.
Squad depth is equally important.
Rangers are still looking at other areas, particularly in attack, while PSV winger Couhaib Driouech is also closing in on his move to Ibrox.
But at left-back, the club now appear to have found their answer.
If Friday’s medical goes according to plan, Penrice will return to Scottish football and could soon be competing for a starting place at Ibrox.
For Rangers, meanwhile, the loan-with-buy-option agreement represents a calculated move: immediate cover for McInnes, Scottish Premiership experience and the possibility of making the transfer permanent if Penrice proves himself.
And after the frustration of recent negotiations, Rangers finally appear to have got their man.
Nafisa
