Alexander Smith has snubbed strong transfer interest from clubs in England and the USA to sign his first professional contract with Rangers, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Ibrox side have managed to beat off Premier League giants Arsenal, while other unnamed clubs were also thought to be in the mix for the highly-rated 16-year-old. Smith also has family connections in the US and holds dual nationality, making him eligible to play for both nations after being capped by both at youth level.
That led to speculation MLS sides were eager to lure the starlet across the pond. However, The attacking midfield prospect has now moved to any speculation of a move away from Glasgow by committing his future to the Light Blues.
It’s claimed by Romano that the youngster has signed a new three-year deal, which marks a huge boost for the Gers academy having lost several of their brightest talents to clubs south of the border in recent years. He tweeted on X: “Alexander Smith has signed a three year professional contract at Rangers, deal done. Eligible for USA & Scotland, Smith picked Rangers ahead of strong options in MLS and Premier League.”
GlasgowWorld understands Rangers would have been due a six-figure compensation fee had Smith opted to put pen to paper on his first pro deal with another club. It’s thought Arsenal had been tracking his progress for a number of months.
Smith remains a distance away from making an impact for Philippe Clement’s first-team squad, but securing his signature will ensure the Gers secure a stronger financial package if he departs the club at any stage over the next three years.
