Sheffield United pay Rangers a fee for 'prolific' talent as Joe Rothwell not only one to swap Ibrox for Blades
A midfielder deal was not the only one struck between Rangers and Sheffield United this week.
A Rangers talent has swapped Ibrox for Sheffield United for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Much of the attention in terms of dealings between the Premiership side and English Championship outfit was over Joe Rothwell. The former Blackburn Rovers and Leeds United midfielder completed a permanent move back to the second tier in England where he was promoted out of it at Elland Road last term.
Also moving to the Blades is forward Chris Eadie, who Rangers have landed a fee for. He spent the first half of the season on loan at Stirling Albion alongside Light Blues teammate Connor Campbell where he’s netted three times with four assists. Rangers recalled him from that spell to put through a permanent switch ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Who have Sheffield United signed from Rangers
Rangers stated in a statement: “Rangers Academy can today confirm Chris Eadie has joined Sheffield United on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance. The forward, 18, featured for the Under-19s this campaign while also appearing on loan at Stirling Albion as part of the club's loan co-operation agreement with the League Two side. Everyone at Rangers wishes Chris the very best of luck for the future.”
Sheffield United said: “We are also pleased to confirm the arrival of Scotland youth team forward Chris Eadie who joins United from Rangers for an undisclosed fee. Welcome to the Blades, Chris.”
Stirling Albion spoke highly of the forward. They said when signing him earlier this season: “We are delighted to announce our first signings under the new cooperation agreement we have with Rangers FC. Chris Eadie is a prolific forward who has been capped by Scotland at youth level. He scooped the Rangers Academy Goal of the Season award for his strike against Celtic last season and played a pivotal role in helping the side lift the Glasgow Cup.”
Chris Eadie on time at Rangers
Just last year, Eadie talked up how much he was enjoying a step up to Rangers’ ‘B’ team. He said previously: “I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been good to get the challenge with the B Team, with older players who are more experienced. You play against a lot of men’s teams who have played at higher levels and all know what they’re doing.
“There’s also the physical challenge which comes with that and you need to find different ways to play. It’s also been good to play at my own age with the Under-18s and being able to express myself and score goals. I feel more confident due to my size at Under-18s level to go and express myself because there are things you need to do with the B Team at a quicker pace and you don’t get away with as much. Whereas at Under-18s level I’m able to express myself more and do things that you wouldn’t necessarily try against older players.
“We’ve had to come back in some games; we were losing against St. Mirren until the 85th minute and I scored two which was good on a personal note. You need to be more switched on at B Team level and able to use your strengths because you tend to play against bigger and more experienced players. I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of both, especially given we’ve played some tough games with the Under-18s.”