Declan John has admitted he was left shocked when Rangers agreed to offload him on a permanent basis earlier in the summer transfer window.
John, 23, signed for Championship club Swansea for a fee worth £800,000, according to the Daily Record, but the five-times Wales international was not expecting to be sold for good after it was originally agreed that he was going out on loan.
The left-back was one of just a few signings made by Pedro Caixinha that impressed during his one-season say at Ibrox, and he has now revealed his surprise over the terms of which his transfer was agreed.
“It came out of the blue really. First of all it was supposed to be a loan deal and then it was agreed that it would be permanent,” said John, as quoted by the Daily Record in their live transfer blog on Wednesday [03:49pm].
“A new gaffer came in and I wasn’t getting any game time.
“I really enjoyed my time with Rangers. It is a massive club and I thought I did really well up there.
“I enjoyed the Old Firm games but I think it was the best option to join Swansea and to play regularly.”
OPINION
John was a good player for Rangers and it was a shame to see him leave on a permanent deal, but that is what happens when new managers come in sometimes and it was clear that Steven Gerrard wanted to change his options at left-back. The ex-Cardiff left-back made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Gers last season, scoring three goals and supplying four assists in the process. While his form was good, his injury record was clearly a bit of a concern and Gerrard may have wanted to get rid of the 23-year-old because of his lack of fitness. Borna Barisic looks like a good replacement though so there probably won’t be any regrets on the Gers’ behalf. Jon Flanagan has also done a solid job when called upon in Barisic’s place. John is yet to play for Swansea due to a knee injury he sustained with Rangers, so it remains to be seen how he will get on in the Championship.