Rangers remain interested in £2m defender: what's the outcome?
Rangers are considering signing James Pendrice from AEK Athens. The defender could be available at a reduced price after a difficult season in Greece.
Rangers remain interested in £2m defender: what's the outcome
According to Sports.
Context
James Pendrice, a 27-year-old defender, signed for AEK Athens last year but his performances in the Greek Super League have not lived up to expectations. Given his desired return to Britain and AEK's willingness to negotiate, Rangers could take advantage of the transfer market this summer.
Why is this important
Rangers' interest in James Pendrice underlines their desire to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. Pendrice, who has failed to live up to expectations at AEK, could be an important addition for the club as it strives for success in the Scottish Premier League. His return to Britain may also contribute to his further development as a player.
Key takeaways
- Rangers remain interested in £2m defender: what's the outcome?
- Rangers are considering signing James Pendrice from AEK Athens.
- Rangers Keep Getting Linked To £2m Full-Back: What’s The Ideal Result For Them?
According to Greek publication Sportime, AEK Athens could soon begin formal negotiations to sign a new left-back. This creates an opportunity for James Pendrice, who is available at the right price. The report was quickly picked up by Transfer Feed, who named Rangers as a likely transfer club if AEK decide to part ways with the player.
Pendrice, 27, just signed for AEK last year for £2m from Hearts, but his first year abroad has not lived up to expectations. AEK have some rights as the player's contract runs until June 2028, but Rangers may have some benefit as Pendrice himself appears to want to return to Britain and the Greeks are in turn willing to negotiate. It is expected that the total may fall below the original £2m mark.
Last season, Pendrice made 20 appearances in the Greek Super League, racking up 1,367 minutes of action. He didn't score a single goal, but he received seven yellow cards. He averaged 1.71 tackles and 0.86 interceptions per 90 minutes. These numbers are not impressive, especially for a team that won the championship. It's also worth noting his high level of discipline, which can be a challenge for a defender who must be active offensively in high-energy systems.
Despite mixed results in Greece, no one questions his potential. His final season at Hearts was brilliant, winning him numerous awards and being named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for 2024-25. The problem is his consistency - one outstanding year in Edinburgh followed by a poor season in Greece calls his current level into question.
Rangers manager Derek McInnes has made his priorities clear: he wants a left-sided defender, a right winger and a central midfielder. Left-back was not mentioned on this list, which could be a factor in Pendrice's assessment. Rangers relied on Jayden Megoma in this position last season until Tuur Rommens arrived in January and performed admirably.
Now that the players' loan has ended, a hole has opened up in this position. The decision on Pendrice is questionable as his stats at AEK do not inspire confidence. While his performance at Hearts was outstanding, his performances in Greece leave questions. The Rangers system requires a player who can adapt quickly and will not become a risk for the team, because the competition with Celtic leaves no room for mistakes.Another possible option is Corry Ndaba, who can play at either left-back or centre-back. This seems like a smarter choice given McInnes' needs. If AEK drop their price below £1m and Pendrice agrees to fight for a place in the squad, it could be a worthwhile move. Rangers simply cannot justify spending anywhere near what the Greek club paid a year ago.
What happens next
If Rangers are truly interested in signing Pendrice, they could open talks with AEK, who are willing to discuss a possible transfer. It is expected that the price could drop below £2m, making the deal more attractive for Rangers. If the transfer is completed successfully, Pendrice could become an important element in their defensive line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is James Pendrice?
James Pendrice is a 27-year-old defender who currently plays for AEK Athens.
Which club did James Pendrice come from?
James Pendrice joined AEK Athens from Hearts.
Why are Rangers interested in James Pendrice?
Rangers are interested in James Pendrice as he wants to return to Britain and AEK are open to talks.
What is the status of the James Pendrice deal?
AEK Athens could begin formal negotiations to sign James Pendrice and it is expected that the fee could drop below £2m.
How many matches did Pendrice play last season?
James Pendrice made 20 appearances in the Greek Super League last season.
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