James Sands admits Rangers always unlikely to make loan move permanent this summer
James Sands has admitted it was always “unlikely” that Rangers would pay the money to make his loan move at Ibrox a permanent deal in the summer transfer window, speaking to MLS Soccer.
Sands moved to Rangers last January in an 18-month loan deal which was supposed to run until the end of the season but was cut short by Michael Beale last week as he deemed surplus to requirements at the Glasgow club.
The New York City FC utility player made 24 appearances for the Gers but only managed to amass 916 minutes of Scottish Premiership action this term – mostly due to injuries to direct competitors Connor Golden and Ben Davies in the early stages of the season.
Speaking in an interview for the first time since his Ibrox exit, Sands told MLS Soccer: “We had different options, but ultimately we decided Rangers was the best for me.
“We were all fully aware it was unlikely they would spend what they needed to spend to make the move permanent. That was not a big factor. The whole idea of the loan was for me to answer some questions about myself, which I think I did.
“I only look at the last 13 months as an overwhelming success. I had a great time under (Giovanni) van Bronckhorst, I played a lot. The new coach came in, had more familiarity with other players, so it was tougher to get games.
“Still, they were very clear that they loved me as a player and would have been interested in keeping me, but the price was going to come between the two teams.”
Right decision
Cutting Sands’ loan spell at Ibrox short looks to be the best move for both parties involved.
The 22-year-old arrived at Rangers with plenty of promise but never quite reached the levels required to get a full-time contract at the club.
From Michael Beale’s perspective, this could be the first of many departures from his bloated squad this summer. With Allan McGregor, Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent all out of contract in the summer, as well as Steven Davis and Scott Arfield very likely to be shown the door, Ibrox is set to be a hive of activity in the upcoming transfer window.
The news Bears manager clearly wants to put his stamp on the first-team squad and he isn’t ready to take any passengers along on the ride with him. Sands, unfortunately, was deemed surplus to requirements almost as soon as Beale had his first-choice team full-fit.
The American’s departure was a necessary move in order for Rangers to continue their upward trajectory under their new manager.
In other Rangers news, more issues could emerge in the Ibrox boardroom over a cash injection.