Rangers have bolstered their defensive options with the loan signing of left-back James Penrice from Greek champions AEK Athens, with the Ibrox club holding an option to make the move permanent. The transfer remains subject to international clearance.
The 27-year-old Scotland-born defender described the switch as "a bit surreal" in comments to club media, reflecting on the magnitude of joining one of Scottish football's most storied institutions. "I'm delighted to finally get it done," he said. "You know what comes with the name. There's only one objective and that's to win stuff. When you don't, there comes pressure. I'm fully aware of what is expected."
Penrice brings a wealth of experience to Ibrox, having accumulated more than 300 senior appearances across his career. His footballing journey began with spells at East Fife and Partick Thistle before he established himself in the Scottish Premiership with Livingston and later Hearts. It was from Hearts that he made the move abroad last summer, joining AEK Athens in the Greek Super League.
His time in Greece proved fruitful on a team level, as AEK Athens clinched their 14th national championship, memorably overcoming reigning title-holders Olympiacos in the process. Penrice played a role in that triumph, featuring 32 times across the campaign, with 16 of those appearances coming from the start.
The timing of his arrival at Rangers is significant, coming as the club deals with an injury concern in the same position. Fellow left-back Tuur Rommens is expected to be sidelined for up to seven weeks due to a groin problem, leaving manager Derek McInnes short of options on that flank. Penrice's arrival should provide much-needed cover and competition for places as the season progresses.
McInnes welcomed the signing, highlighting both the player's pedigree and his suitability for the demands of Scottish football. "James already has valuable experience of the Scottish Premiership and understands the demands of the club," the manager said. "From speaking to him it was clear he is hungry to work hard and continue progressing in his career."
The deal represents a return to Scottish football for Penrice after a single season in Greece, and he will be looking to hit the ground running given the injury situation at the club. His Premiership pedigree, built up during stints with Livingston and Hearts, should allow him to adapt quickly to the rigours of the domestic league, while his continental experience with AEK Athens adds a further dimension to his profile.
Rangers' next fixture sees them host St Mirren in a League Cup tie on Sunday at 16:00 BST, though it remains to be seen whether Penrice will be available given the clearance process still needs to be finalised. Once eligible, he is expected to provide immediate depth to McInnes's squad as the manager looks to navigate the early part of the season without Rommens.
For Penrice personally, the move represents both a fresh challenge and a return to familiar territory, stepping back into a league he knows well but into a club environment carrying significantly higher expectations than his previous Scottish employers. His comments suggest he is well aware of the pressure that comes with representing a club of Rangers' stature, and he will be eager to prove his worth as competition for the left-back spot intensifies following Rommens's injury setback.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.