'A bit surreal' - Penrice joins Rangers from AEK Athens on loan

What the report says

Rangers have added left-back James Penrice on loan from Greek champions AEK Athens, with the Scottish club holding an option to make the move permanent. The 27-year-old returns to Scotland after a season in Greece and said the transfer felt “a bit surreal” as he completed the deal through club media.

BBC Sport reports that Penrice made 32 appearances for AEK last season, including 16 starts, after joining from Hearts in the summer of 2024. Before that, he played for Livingston, Partick Thistle and East Fife. In total, he has more than 300 senior club appearances and brings experience of the Scottish Premiership back to Ibrox.

The move comes as Rangers are short of options at left-back, with Tuur Rommens sidelined by a groin injury that is expected to keep him out for several weeks. Manager Derek McInnes said the signing adds depth and competition in a position where the squad was “a little light.”

The deal still needs international clearance, and Rangers’ next match is at home to St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup. More generally, signings with an option to buy are common in football loan deals, giving clubs flexibility if a player settles well, but BBC Sport’s report focused on Penrice’s arrival and immediate role.