James Penrice has completed a season-long loan move to Rangers from Greek champions AEK Athens, with the Ibrox club holding an option to sign the 27-year-old left-back permanently. The Scotland international, who spent last season in Greece, described the switch as "a bit surreal" as he prepares to bolster a Rangers squad missing regular left-back Tuur Rommens through injury.
Penrice previously represented Livingston and Heart of Midlothian in Scotland, having come through earlier spells at Partick Thistle and East Fife. He has now made more than 300 senior appearances across his career.
According to a report from Yahoo Sports, Rangers agreed the loan deal with an option to make the transfer permanent, and Penrice was due in Glasgow to finalise formalities and undergo a medical. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano's update, carried by ERT Sports, indicated the defender was scheduled to arrive in Glasgow on Friday for his medical ahead of signing. A separate report from Tribuna put the value of the permanent option at a €2 million buy clause.
How did Penrice perform at AEK Athens?
Penrice joined AEK Athens from Hearts last summer and went on to make 32 appearances, 16 of them starts, as the club won its 14th Greek title by finishing above reigning champions Olympiacos. Per Wikipedia's record of his career, AEK had signed him from Hearts for a reported £2 million in July 2025, meaning his stay in Greece lasted only one season before this loan move.
Rangers' interest in Penrice had been building for some time. Earlier reporting on Rangers' transfer activity noted growing interest in the defender as part of a wider set of talks that also touched on Leicester winger Stephy Mavididi, wage complications around Vaclav Cerny, and competition with Cardiff for Jens Hjerto-Dahl.
Why do Rangers need cover at left-back?
The move comes with Tuur Rommens, Rangers' regular left-back, sidelined for up to seven weeks because of a groin injury, leaving the club short of options in that position. Manager Derek McInnes explained the thinking behind the signing.
"He plays in an area of the pitch where we are currently a little light, so it was important that we brought in someone who can bolster us in that position and provide competition."
"James already has valuable experience of the Scottish Premiership and understands the demands of the club and from speaking to him it was clear he is hungry to work hard and continue progressing in his career."
Penrice, for his part, spoke of both the pressure and the pull of returning to Scottish football with a club of Rangers' stature.
"It's a bit surreal. I'm delighted to finally get it done."
"I've been involved in Scotland for a while and 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 here."
What happens next?
The loan remains subject to international clearance before Penrice can feature for his new club. Rangers' next fixture is a Premier Sports Cup last-16 tie against St Mirren at Ibrox, confirmed for Sunday, 16 August 2026, with kick-off at 16:00 BST, according to the SPFL's official fixture list. The match is set to be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1 in the UK, per TV Footie's broadcast schedule.
Key Facts
- James Penrice, 27, joins Rangers on loan from AEK Athens with a buy option reported at €2 million.
- He made 32 appearances for AEK last season as the club won a 14th Greek title.
- AEK signed him from Hearts for a reported £2 million in July 2025.
- Rangers face St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup last 16 at Ibrox on Sunday, 16 August 2026, at 16:00 BST.
- The loan is pending international clearance, with Penrice due in Glasgow for a medical.
