Rangers have decided to let James Sands leave the club as the utility man makes a return to MLS side New York City FC.
The Gers have today confirmed that Sands has left Ibrox and is returning to the United States with immediate effect.
Sands was coming towards the end of his 18-month loan spell at Rangers but that has now been terminated early.
That means Rangers will not be activating the rumoured $6million (£5million) purchase option in Sands’ loan move.
That was always likely to be the case given that Sands wasn’t really making an impact, but his exit has now been confirmed.
The new Major League Soccer season started last weekend and it’s better for Sands and his development that he goes home to play regularly.
Boss Michael Beale offered quotes about Sands, admitting that he enjoyed working with the 22-year-old at Ibrox.
Beale even predicts that Sands will have an ‘excellent career’ but Rangers felt it was right to let him leave now.
James Sands exit sparks beginning of Rangers midfield changes
Sands only played 918 minutes across 17 games in the Scottish Premiership this season.
That number was bumped up as he filled in at centre back earlier in the campaign, but he has only managed 14 league minutes in 2023.
It was clear that Beale just didn’t fancy him at this stage and Rangers have made their decision on him early.
Ideally a holding midfielder, who can also fill in at centre back, Sands just never found a home at Rangers.
Rangers need to make changes to their midfield ranks this summer.
Steven Davis, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack are all out of contract and you could make an argument for letting all of them go.
The exit of Sands signals that changes are coming this summer and his lack of impact means Rangers have probably made the right call.
