In further transfer news coming straight out of Greece, Rangers have apparently renewed their interest in AEK’s James Penrice. The former Hearts left back has been a well known Rangers target for quite some time. The big appeal of this addition is, of course, that he is a Rangers man. This has been broken by the Scotsman’s Barry Anderson.
Rangers pushing to sign James Penrice but AEK Athens want a permanent transfer. So far, Rangers have submitted offers for a loan with a purchase option. Talks ongoing as the clubs try to work out an agreement.https://t.co/CYSOe2XKlC
— Barry Anderson (@BarryAnderson_) August 10, 2026
Penrice has impressed in Greece
Penrice has impressed in the southern Mediterranean. Furthermore, he is one of us and a James Penrice Rangers transfer would work.
That could provide a massive boost regarding his fighting spirit on the pitch. Penrice never received a call up for Scotland at any level, which is slightly surprising.
However, he played for Hearts during their mid table era when they were not particularly strong. He was not an especially exalted player at the time. Nevertheless, he remained functional, solid and reliable.
Penrice moved to Greece for around £2M back in the day. He has performed well enough in southern Europe to warrant Rangers’ interest.
Rangers appear to lead Celtic
Reports previously suggested that Celtic also wanted his services. However, according to the current speculation, Rangers appear to be closing in on him.
Penrice would provide either a deputy or competition for Tuur Rommens. As we mentioned before, Rommens has started the season slowly. We will address that in a separate entry.
However, it is clear that Rangers’ lack of left back options is not helping the club. Rangers are also closing in on a right back. We will discuss that potential arrival separately too.
For now, the focus remains on Penrice and his possible arrival in Scotland.
Penrice understands Rangers
As a Rangers man, Penrice knows what the club represents. Whether that actually helps remains uncertain. Derek McInnes and Lawrence Shankland are also supposed to be Rangers men.
However, not much is happening with either at the moment. Nevertheless, in theory, Penrice’s Rangers background would strengthen his commitment and desperation to represent the club.
Nobody has failed to notice his performances in Greece. He is, of course, a Greek title champion after winning the Super League with AEK last season.
Overall, he would represent a worthwhile asset for Rangers to bring in.
McInnes could use Penrice in several roles
Time will tell whether Derek McInnes views Penrice as Rommens’ replacement or merely competition. He might even see him as a left midfield or wing solution. Many left backs can also adapt to those roles. Either way, Rangers appear to be moving for the boy. We understand the negotiations are over the conditions of the sale, a loan with option or a permanent. Rangers favour the former.
Time will tell on all these fronts. We will see whether the lad becomes a Rangers player in due course.