If a recent update from the Greek outlet Sport24 (as cited by The Scotsman’s Barry Anderson) is believed to be true, Rangers have not given up on James Penrice despite submitting two offers to AEK Athens for the left-back. The Light Blues have submitted a loan bid with a purchase option. However, the proposed loan fee has not matched the expectations of the Super League hotshots, even though there’s cautious optimism among all parties involved.
The 27-year-old Scotsman progressed through Partick Thistle’s academy ranks before making his Premiership debut late in the 2015-16 season. He then had loan spells with East Fife and Livingston in the lower divisions to grab regular minutes, but cemented a starting spot for the Jags upon their relegation to the Scottish Championship.
Penrice eventually ran his contract down and returned to Livi ahead of the 2021-22 campaign. They were competing in the top flight, and the fullback represented them frequently over the next three years. Hearts snapped him up for free in the summer of 2024, and a scintillating season at Tynecastle earned him a £2m transfer to Athens a year ago.
Why Rangers Must Accelerate Talks
Meanwhile, the defender made 33 appearances for Double-Headed Eagle and was extensively rotated with Stavros Pilios throughout the previous term. The Albanian got the nod against OFI Crete in the Greek Super Cup, as the Scot remained an unused substitute in their defeat on penalties. He has been asked to find a new home for assured gametime, and Rangers, currently exploring a potential reunion with Jayen Meghoma, must step up the chase after Tuur Rommens’ injury nightmare.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 26: Kyle Walker-Peters of West Ham United battles with Tuur Rommens of Rangers during a pre-season friendly match between Rangers and West Ham at Ibrox Stadium on July 26, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Rommens has been a shining light since his move from Westerlo. Meghoma, on loan from Brentford, was the preferred choice on the left until the Belgian arrived earlier this year. But he is now ruled out for at least eight weeks after sustaining a groin injury against Hibernian. Versatile Dujon Sterling is likely to deputise for the time being in their decisive Europa League return leg encounter against Jagiellonia Białystok. Nevertheless, the club must find a permanent solution amid the ongoing conundrum at Ibrox.
Penrice might not be as impactful as Rommens, but his experience in Scotland would bring stability in the defensive third. He is known for his exceptional stamina, energy, and aggressive overlapping, thus turning defence into attack with his explosive pace. Rangers have yet to win a game under Derek McInnes, and delaying a deal for the left-back would further complicate their situation, with St Mirren set to travel to Glasgow this weekend.