Rangers FC have suffered a major setback in their January 2026 transfer plans after **AEK Athens firmly rejected an approach for left-back James Penrice.
Sources indicate Rangers tabled an offer in the region of £2 million (€2.3m) — close to the fee AEK paid to sign Penrice last summer. However, the Greek giants wasted no time in dismissing the proposal, making it clear the defender is not for sale.
AEK officials are understood to value Penrice highly and see him as a key figure in their domestic and European ambitions. In fact, reports suggest the Athens club believe even double Rangers’ offer would not be enough to force a rethink, highlighting how central the former Hearts star has become to their plans.
The rejection represents a frustration for Rangers, who are actively searching for defensive reinforcements as they push for silverware in 2026. Penrice’s energy, crossing ability and consistency had placed him high on their shortlist, but attention may now shift to alternative targets.
With the transfer window ticking down, Rangers face a crucial decision: return with an improved bid or walk away — but for now, AEK remain in total control of the situation.
