Rangers sign midfielder John Lundstram on free transfer

Rangers have announced the signing of midfielder John Lundstram on a three-year-contract.

The Englishman has joined under freedom of contract after leaving Sheffield United following the club’s relegation from the Premier League. He becomes Rangers’ third major transfer of the summer window, following the arival of Fashion Sakala and Nnamdi Ofoborh.

Lundstram, who began his career at Everton before playing in the lower divisions, made his name in Sheffield as part of the team that won promotion to the top flight and he then played a major part in their impressive first season in the division.

The 27-year-old now turns his attention to helping Rangers build on their title-winning success and their chance to play Champions League football this season.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard said that in addition to landing a player with “technical ability and physicality”, he believed he had signed someone with the mindset to succeed at Ibrox.

Sporting director Ross Wilson told the club’s website that Lundstram had been one of the top signing targets for the summer and that landing his signature was particularly pleasing.

“We quietly worked hard at this deal in the background whilst understanding there was a lot of competition for his signature,” Wilson said. “John has long been admired by Steven and there’s no better judge of a midfield player in my book.

“His desire to make John a Rangers player will have been a massive plus in John’s decision making I am sure. We know John’s qualities and we know that in joining our team, with the quality we already have, his game will elevate further still.”

Lundstram said he was aiming to make his mark and wants to start by helping the team reach the elite stages of the Champions League.

He said: “As an outsider looking in, the scenes last season were unbelievable when the club won the league, and when I saw that, I knew I wanted to be a part of it and be a part of a club which wins more trophies for Rangers.

“There is something special still being built here and there is more to come. The pull of being in the Champions League was also massive for me and I want to help the team reach the group stage and make the most of that opportunity.”

“He will particularly relish playing in the style of Rangers team that we have and playing in front of our huge fan base is an exciting prospect for him. He joins at a time where we believe at 27 years old his peak years will be with us at Ibrox.”