Rangers to sanction loan move for youngster James Graham, approaches made
Rangers are considering loan options for 19-year-old centre-forward James Graham, according to the Daily Record.
The Scottish newspaper reported on their live transfer blog (17 August, 11:16 am) that the youngster has received approached from Scottish League One and League Two sides.
The Gers are keen for Graham to earn regular first-team experience this season after making 30 appearances for Rangers in the Lowland Football League last season.
Needed
After Rangers announced that their B team would no longer be participating in the important Lowland Football League, many youngsters looked set to head out on loan to continue their development.
Graham looks to be the latest to head out on loan, with many sides reportedly interested.
The youngster would be very unlikely to get a look in by Michael Beale in the current senior Rangers side after their mass influx of attacking talent, so a move to a competitive side in the lower end of Scottish professional football could suit Graham significantly.
Last season, the former Ross County player managed five goals and an assist in 30 appearances for Rangers’ B team while also making regular appearances in the UEFA Youth League.
Graham has had injury issues in the past which kept him out for much of the 2021/22 season but will look to make an impact on loan and catch the eye of Beale and the rest of the Rangers staff.
He possesses a very powerful strike, with his shot accuracy allowing him to hit the target from long range. His ability to run at defenders and receive long passes also reflects the attacking versatility in his game.
Speaking to RangersTV (21 July), Graham backed himself to kick on from last season and develop his game. “It’s a big year for me,” Graham said. “Obviously it’s the last year of my deal, so obviously I played towards the end of last season scoring this year. Now I just need to keep that up and carry on.”
With just one year left to secure a contract extension at Ibrox, now is the chance for Graham to step up his game.
In other Rangers news, Kevin Thomson has backed a “game changer” youngster to break into the Gers’ first team following his loan spell.