10 USA soccer stars who have played for Rangers - including 126 cap star and ex-Man City ace

On April 1 1999, Rangers boss Dick Advocaat confirmed the acquisition of highly-rated midfielder Claudio Reyna for a reported figure of over £2m, in a move which made him the first ever player from the United States to don the famous Light Blue kit.

The 112-cap international proved to be an instant hit at Ibrox and formed part of the iconic 1999/2000 team which kicked off the century with a league title ahead of their bitter rivals Celtic.

Reyna racked up 94 appearances for Rangers and scored nine league goals, but is perhaps best remembered by supporters for scoring the decisive strike against Parma which secured the Ibrox club Champions League qualification.

The midfielder left Rangers in 2001 to join Premier League side Sunderland in a £4m deal and went on to represent Manchester City and New York Red Bulls before his retirement in 2008.

He is just one of 10 US born stars to have made a name for himself in the blue half of Glasgow. Here we take a look at the other nine.

Malik Tillman: 2022/23: signed on loan from Bayern Munich

USA wonderkid Malik Tilman arrived at Rangers to great fanfare after completing a season-long loan move from Bayern Munich.

He registered 12 goals and five assists in 43 appearances to win the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award and was heavily linked with a permanent switch to Ibrox but instead joined PSV in a £12m deal.

Rye-born defender James Sands joined Rangers in January 2022 on an initial 18-month loan deal which included an option to buy.

The versatile footballer, who could also play midfield racked up 41 appearances in total and scored one goal. He made a substitute appearance in the 2022 UEFA Europa League final in which Rangers lost to Eintracht Frankfurt in a penalty shootout.

Matt Polster: 2019/20 - signed from Chicago Fire

Matt Polster failed to live up to expectations after making just ten appearances in his sole season at Ibrox.

After his departure, a club statement described Polster as a model professional who displayed a willingness to support his team mates showing versatility and consistent hard work in training.

He now plays for New England Revolution where he is a regular first team fixture.

Dallas born midfielder Emerson Hyndman made a solid impression during his brief loan stint at Rangers from Bournemouth and was able to score four goals in 17 appearances across all competitions to win the Young Player of the Year for 2016–17.

He never quite hit the same heights during his time at Hibs and is now playing for Memphis 901 FC.

Gedion Zelalem: 2015/16 - signed on loan from Arsenal

Gedion Zelalem arrived at Rangers in January 2016 and formed part of the team which won the Scottish Championship and Scottish Challenge Cup.

He played in 21 Championship matches and helped his team reach the final of the Scottish Cup by scoring in the semi-final penalty-shoot-out against Celtic.

He now plays for NK Lokomotiva Zagreb in Croatia after stints in the USA and Netherlands.

Two-time MLS Defender of the Year and former USA captain Carlos Bocanegra joined Rangers in 2011 and formed a solid partnership alongside Dorin Goian as Rangers finished second in the Scottish Premiership despite a period of financial unrest.

He remained for two games after the club’s relegation to the Scottish third division before moving onto pastures new at Racing de Santander.

He described administration as a ‘horrible experience’ but says he does not regret signing for the Glasgow giants.

Alejandro Bedoya: 2011/12 - signed from Örebro SK

Rangers beat Birmingham City to the signing of Alejandro Bedoya but never saw the full potential of the Philadelphia Union icon as he scored just one goal in 13 appearances as the Gers finished second before falling into administration.

Maurice Edu: 2008/12 - signed from Toronto FC

46-time USA international Maurice Edu arrived as a youngster from Toronto and went on to play 122 times for a Rangers team which lifted three consecutive league titles, one Scottish Cup and two League Cups.

A firm fan favourite with bags of energy and a tireless workrate, but another that was forced to depart in 2012 amid an avalanche of financial problems.

DaMarcus Beasley: 2008/10 - signed from PSV

The only U.S. man to play in four FIFA World Cups, DaMarcus Beasley offered versatility to a Rangers team which won two league titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups.

However, his best days were probably spent at other clubs, with injuries limiting his game time in Glasgow.