Rangers are close to completing the signing of New York City FC midfielder James Sands, with the 21-year-old set to join on an 18-month loan deal.
According to Sky Sports News, the Westchester County-born talent will sign for the Scottish giants this week on loan, with Rangers having an option to sign Sands permanently in the summer of 2023.
Sands is one of the most highly-rated talents to emerge from MLS in the past three years. The youngster is noted for his versatility, with the American able to play both in central midfield and at centre-back.
Moreover, Sands has also already established himself as a full international with the USA, with the 21-year-old also being mentored by Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo as per MLS Soccer during their time together in the Bronx.
The first-ever NYCFC academy graduate to play for the senior team, with the likes of Giovanni Reyna and Joe Scally coming from the same team as the 21-year-old, Sands was also part of Ronny Deila’s side that won MLS Cup in December.
And now, it appears that Sands will take his talents to Rangers for the next 18 months. The American will be the first player signed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst since taking over from Steven Gerrard in November.
Sands can flourish at Rangers if given time to adapt
A USA international, mentored by Pirlo, and a league champion, all at the age of 21. The world is certainly at Sands’ feet, and with Rangers, the youngster could flourish if given the time to learn the ropes of the Scottish game.
Players from MLS usually tend to thrive in the SPL, with the most recent example being Aberdeen star Christian Ramirez. And for Rangers, they will be banking on Sands to bring them more technical quality at the back.
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