Aaron Cervantes Joins Up With Rangers Academy

GOALKEEPER Aaron Cervantes has joined up with Rangers Academy having signed a permanent contract from our partner club Orange County SC.

The 19-year-old, who became the first professional signing between our partners in the USA and Rangers, said it was the ‘best feeling in the world’ to join the club.

Cervantes got his first taste of Glasgow on trial in December 2019 and is delighted to be here permanently as he looks to continue his development.

Speaking to RangersTV he said: “The trial period was awesome, getting to see the facilities and see what my goal was for that year. I think it is a great place to be for a young footballer.

“It was the best feeling in the world to sign for the club, my whole family was proud of me. I had worked towards it for the whole year so to come over here and sign was a good feeling.

“When I signed with Orange County we talked about going to Europe. It has always been part of the plan so I don't think it was too big of a change for me, I think it was expected almost because I have been working towards it for almost my whole life.”

Cervantes has had a week in training so far in the Academy and hopes he can learn from the experienced goalkeepers and coaches at the club.

He continued: “I think Graeme Smith is a great trainer, he has obviously played with Rangers so training has been good, the guys are cool and it is just good to get a rhythm back.

“Players like Allan McGregor are great to look and learn from and I just want to pick up any key note that I can.”

Cervantes experienced first-team football with Orange County, making 18 appearances.

He has also represented the United States at youth level and was part of their under-17 World Cup squad in 2019.

He added: “It was good obviously playing with older men at Orange County and getting to see different types of game situations. It was good for my development ultimately and it was the right move for me.

“I have been called up to multiple camps and I went to the World Cup with the under-17's. It was always good to be a part of the roster and get to see the different levels of kids my age.”