Rangers starlet Ben Williamson has signed a new contract at Ibrox and has joined Livingston on a season-long loan deal.
It’s a second extension in around six months for Williamson, who last put pen to paper in January following strong displays for the B team.
Since then, he’s completed a very impressive loan stint at Arbroath, where he scooped the Young Player of the Year award despite only joining the Championship club halfway through the season.
He’s been training with the Gers first-team squad in recent weeks and played 45 minutes of the opening pre-season friendly against Partick Thistle before making the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Tranmere.
He will now head to West Lothian, though, so he has time to settle into the Livi squad before the 2021/22 Premiership season gets underway.
Rangers confirmed the news on Monday afternoon following reports that a loan switch had been agreed.
“I’m delighted that both Ben himself and Rangers FC have chosen Livingston as the club best placed to help Ben in his progression,” said Livi boss David Martindale [Livingstonfc.co.uk].
“I watched Ben action a number of times last season whilst watching Jack Hamilton and Carlo Pignatiello at Arbroath and was always impressed. I really believe he has a great future in the game and I’m happy to get him on board here.”
The right call from Rangers?
This is a great move for Williamson, who shone in the second tier during the second half of last season.
The step up to the top flight will be a big test for the teenager but it’s a challenge his performances suggest he’s ready for.
It’s good business from the Gers to tie him down to a new deal prior to his temporary exit and it gives the player himself some extra security.
While Williamson will no doubt be keen to help Livi take points of Rangers’ rivals, he won’t face his parent club during the upcoming campaign, due to a standard clause inserted in all loan agreements struck by the Light Blues.
In other transfer news, an exciting Ibrox-linked African international is reportedly available for a ‘small amount’.
