If a recent report from The Herald is believed to be true, Rangers have reignited interest in James Penrice ahead of a potential summer move. They failed to strike a loan deal with AEK Athens for the left fullback earlier this year, but could give it another go, with Jayden Meghoma set to return to Brentford by the end of this month.
Born in Livingston, the 27-year-old Scottish star progressed through Partick Thistle’s academy ranks before breaking into their senior squad. Loan spells with East Fife and Livi helped him cement a regular role for the Glasgow side across the Championship and League One.
Penrice returned to Livingston in the summer of 2021 upon the expiration of his Partick Thistle contract, and featured regularly in the top flight over the next three seasons. He eventually joined Hearts on a Bosman following the Lions’ relegation in 2024. Although the Jambos had a below-par campaign, the Scotsman appeared 46 times throughout the 2024-25 season.
Despite being a part of Derek McInnes’ pre-season camp in Spain, Hearts accepted a £2m bid from the Greek giants, leading to his departure last year. Although he missed the Jamtarts’ fairy tale Premiership run, a move to Athens did not leave him empty-handed. The left-back has so far been involved in 32 games across competitions, contributing to their Super League triumph.
How Rangers Dealt With The Transfer Blow In January
Rangers were chasing Penrice in January, but opted for Tuur Rommens after rejection from the Double-Headed Eagle. The Belgian has impressed since breaking into the starting XI, and his marauding runs, high work ethic, defensive composure and attacking expertise made him the preferred choice over Meghoma.
Besides Meghoma, Danny Rohl occasionally deployed Max Aarons as a makeshift left-back. However, the pair are likely to return to Brentford and Bournemouth, respectively, having failed to make an impact on loan. Veteran James Tavernier is set to part ways, bringing his illustrious career to a close and highlighting the need for reinforcements in both full-back positions.
Why Rangers Should Bring Penrice
While it remains to be seen who they snap up to challenge and cover Dujon Sterling down the right, securing Penrice should resolve their conundrum on the left-hand side. His arrival would not only boost the homegrown quota for next season’s European competitions but also bolster their title hopes after a slip-up in the decisive fixtures.
Penrice must fight for his place with Rommens, as he has been doing in Athens, where Stavros Pilios has made more appearances. Nevertheless, his crossing, set-piece traits, vision, strong tackling and tenacious defending should inject quality before next season.
