Rangers defender David Bates is set to leave Ibrox this summer.
Rangers defender David Bates has stunned many today by agreeing a four-year deal with German side Hamburg, which will come into effect this summer.
The Gers may have signed the likes of Joey Barton and Niko Kranjcar in the summer of 2016, but the arrival of defender Bates has proven to be much more of a success.
An unheralded addition from Raith Rovers, Bates has grown into one of Rangers’ most dependable defenders, enjoying a fine season under Graeme Murty.
Bates, 21, was coming to the end of his contract though, and whilst Rangers agreed new deals with the likes of Wes Foderingham, James Tavernier, Josh Windass and Alfredo Morelos this season, Bates has been a concern.
Now, Rangers have lost the young defender. Today, Bates agreed a four-year deal with Bundesliga side Hamburg, and will begin his career in Germany at the end of the season.
Despite the fact that Hamburg look set for relegation to the second tier of German football, Bates has traded Ibrox for the Imtech Arena – and has taken to Twitter to discuss his decision.
Bates admitted that it has been a whirlwind 48 hours leading up to the confirmation of his move, and he simply felt that the move was too good to turn down at this stage in his career.
Bates added his thanks to the Rangers staff, board and fans as his two-year spell at Ibrox approaches its end, but he still wants to help the Gers enjoy a strong end to the season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
