James Sands to exit Rangers after ‘cruel’ treatment at Ibrox – pundit
We’re delighted to welcome Tam McManus as our exclusive Rangers columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
James Sands will not be joining Rangers permanently from New York City in the summer transfer window, according to Tam McManus.
Sands, 22, joined the Light Blues on loan from New York last January and as per MLS journalist Tom Bogert on 7 June, the Glaswegians have the option to make the deal permanent for £4.7million.
However, Sands has struggled for game-time since Michael Beale replaced Giovanni van Bronckhorst as manager at Ibrox with the USA international playing just five out of 10 Scottish Premiership games since the World Cup break.
He’s been an unused substitute for four of the last five league outings and McManus believes that the option-to-buy clause is too high to justify Rangers signing the versatile American permanently.
“It’s been cruel on Sands at times because he had to spend time playing at centre-half and he’s not a centre-back,” McManus told Ibrox News.
“He made a lot of mistakes under the previous manager at the start of the season.
“As a midfielder, he’s a decent player but he can’t get in the team now under Michael Beale.
“If he’s not playing and they’ve just signed two new midfield players, there’s no way Rangers are going to pay that money for him in the summer.
“I think that James will be on his way back to New York City. I don’t think Rangers will pay that.”
Sands has played 39 times in all competitions since joining the Light Blues just over a year ago.
He’s made 25 of those appearances this season.
In other Rangers news, the Ibrox bank is set for a cash boost after a document emerged on Wednesday.