Rangers have signed their first forward of the summer, academy prospect James Graham who has put pen to paper on a new contract.
The 18-year old striker has been in the B team squad this season and will now look to play a more prominent role with Juan Alegria departed, Robbie Ure unlikely to stay and Zak Lovelace pushing for a first-team promotion.
The announcement was made on Rangers official Twitter page with James Graham committing to another season until the end of 2023/24.
Making the step up from the academy to the first team is harder for a striker than any other position but Graham has attracted a lot of high level interest in the past.
In 2020, when Rangers signed Graham from Ross County, academy chief Craig Mulholland, revealed that Premier League clubs were beaten in the race for his signature.
“I am delighted to welcome James to Rangers. James was in high demand from EPL clubs and another in Scotland and it is an important part of our strategy that we secure Scotland’s brightest talent first.
“It is testimony to the quality of programme and staff we now have that he has chosen Rangers ahead of some top English Academies for the next few years of his education.”
We’ll never know if Rory Wilson or Dire Mebude would have made it at Rangers but they are doing their chances of a career down south no harm at all with their form this season.
Premier League clubs will always be able to offer more so it is a testament to Graham that he has chosen to develop at the club he supports.
Michael Beale will be looking to overhaul his forward line next season but, as shown by the likes of Ure and Lovelace, he will give youngsters a place in his squad if they perform.
Over to you, James.
