The former Rangers defender Jon Flanagan is back in football after leaving Ibrox.
Flanagan was one of Steven Gerrard’s first recruits as Rangers manager, reuniting with his former Liverpool teammate in Glasgow.
But the 27-year-old’s contract was not renewed at the end of last season and he will now continue his career with the surprise Belgian Pro League leaders, Royal Charleroi SC.
Charleroi – who already employ one of Flanagan’s former England Under-21 colleagues, and once-rumoured former Rangers target, Saido Berahino – confirmed his arrival, on an initial one-year deal that could be extended by a further 12 months, in a tweet on Wednesday morning.
Rangers have promoted Nathan Patterson and recruited Calvin Bassey to replace Flanagan as cover for their first-choice full-backs James Tavernier and Borna Barisic.
Bassey, in particular, has impressed when called on at left-back this season.
Flanagan was linked with moves to Fleetwood Town – who are managed by another former Rangers player in Joey Barton – and Amiens SC after his Ibrox deal expired.
Rangers fans – was Gerrard right not to extend Flanagan’s deal?
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