NafisaRangers have completed another important piece of transfer business, with James Penrice officially joining the club from AEK Athens on a season-long loan deal.
The Scottish defender has now completed his medical and put pen to paper on the agreement, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding his move to Ibrox.
Penrice was identified as a priority target for Rangers after Derek McInnes was left short of options at left-back, particularly following Tuur Rommens’ injury. The Gers have now moved decisively to address the problem, securing the 27-year-old on loan with an option to make the transfer permanent.
The deal was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, who reported that Rangers had reached an agreement with AEK Athens for Penrice’s loan move.
Penrice was pictured alongside his agent after completing the deal, with the paperwork now signed and the transfer officially concluded.
James Penrice completes Rangers medical
Penrice completed his medical today before finalising the remaining paperwork required to complete his move to Rangers.
The Scottish left-back only joined AEK Athens from Hearts last summer after the Greek club paid around £2million for his services.
However, his time in Greece did not go entirely according to plan, and Rangers have now offered him the opportunity to return to Scottish football and rebuild his reputation.
The loan agreement also includes an option for Rangers to sign Penrice permanently should he impress during his time at Ibrox.
That gives McInnes the chance to assess the defender over the course of the season before making a final decision on his long-term future.
Rangers needed another left-back
The move makes considerable sense for Rangers given the situation on the left side of McInnes’ squad.
Rommens’ injury has left the manager with limited natural options in the position, increasing the need for another experienced player capable of stepping straight into the team.
Penrice already knows Scottish football extremely well following his time with Hearts, where he established himself as an effective attacking full-back.
His previous experience in the Scottish game should also mean that he needs little time to understand the demands of playing for a club of Rangers’ size.
The defender now has the chance to show that his disappointing spell at AEK Athens was only a temporary setback.
Celtic previously showed interest
Rangers were not the only Scottish club to have shown an interest in Penrice.
Celtic had previously made an enquiry about the defender, although their interest did not develop into a formal offer.
Rangers have ultimately won the race for his signature, giving McInnes another option as he attempts to strengthen his squad.
The immediate priority will be getting Penrice up to speed and ready to contribute as quickly as possible.
With the medical completed, the contract signed and the agreement with AEK Athens finalised, there is now no uncertainty surrounding the move.
James Penrice is officially a Rangers player.
Nafisa
