Rangers legend Kenny Miller believes James Sands is not worth his £4 million transfer fee while admitting that the ‘jury is still out’ regarding fellow loanee Malik Tillman at Ibrox, speaking to the Scottish Mail.
With so many key players entering the final few months of their contracts – Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Jack, Allan McGregor and Ryan Kent, to name just four – the uncertainty surrounding both Sands and Tillman may have Mick Beale, Ross Wilson and co reaching for the Aspirin as Rangers face up to the prospect of a massive squad overhaul.
Should Rangers trigger the £6 million clause in Tillman’s contract, the Bayern Munich-owned American would become the club’s most expensive acquisition since Kent arrived from Liverpool in 2019.
At £4 million, Sands’ price-tag is not quite so prohibitive. But, with the versatile 22-year-old ranging from steady to error-prone during his time at Ibrox, Miller believes better value may be found elsewhere.
Rangers have a decision to make with James Sands and Malik Tillman
“I think Sands is a steady player,” argues the four-time Scottish Premiership champion. “But he’ll never be a regular starter for Rangers. I’m sorry, but I wouldn’t be paying the £4million fee.”
“I don’t think anyone at Rangers would be willing to fork out that amount of money either. A £4m player has to be a starter for Rangers and Sands isn’t that.”
Sands, who’s contract belongs to MLS outfit New York City FC, has featured 24 times in all competitions this season. His best performances have arguably come in central midfield; Sands resembling like something of a weak link on occasions in a more defensive role.
“Tillman is slightly different,” Miller adds. But I have to say, the jury is still out on him as well for me.
“Rangers need to see more from the young American. Nobody is ever going to doubt this boy’s ability because you can see he’s got quality. But I watched him in certain games at the start of the season – against Celtic at Parkhead and in Europe – when he wasn’t prepared to do the dirty stuff.
“He wasn’t running back or putting a shift in. His body language and reactions weren’t great. When you’re getting scudded 4-0 in an Old Firm game and not running back, then people are going to jump on you. There’s constant scrutiny at Rangers and if you don’t put the effort in, you won’t survive.”
Tillman scored his sixth goal in Rangers colours during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Dundee United. A result which claws the gap between themselves and Celtic from 12 to nine points.
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