Barry Ferguson Supports John Souttar's Move from Rangers

Barry Ferguson has thrown his weight behind John Souttar as the defender prepares to leave Rangers, insisting any club signing him is getting a “top centre-half”.

Souttar was told at the start of pre-season that he was not part of Derek McInnes’ plans and should find a new club, despite only recently signing a one-year contract extension at Ibrox. Now 29, the Scotland international looks set to move on, with Aris understood to have reached an agreement to take him to Greece.

Ferguson’s backing for an Ibrox outcast

Ferguson worked closely with Souttar during his spell as interim manager and spoke with real conviction about the centre-back’s character and quality.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 10 September, he said: “I worked very closely with John for three months, and I've got to be honest with you, he was outstanding for me. A real good professional. He was a really good leader in the dressing room.

“It was a surprise not being involved since the start of the season. Wherever he goes, they're getting a top centre-half in my opinion.”

Souttar has had a stop-start Rangers career, his time in Glasgow repeatedly interrupted by fitness problems. Even so, Ferguson believes he still had something to offer McInnes, both on the pitch and as a voice in the dressing room.

Risky call from McInnes?

McInnes made his stance clear early in the summer, freezing Souttar out of his plans. That decision now looks even bolder in the context of Rangers’ season.

Rangers are already out of Europe, which sharpens the focus on domestic success. McInnes is expected to deliver silverware, with the Premier Sports Cup offering the first real chance. The quarter-final against Celtic at Ibrox on 13 September is a pressure fixture in any season; this year, it feels even bigger.

Letting an experienced defender like Souttar walk away leaves Rangers light in a key area. McInnes is now leaning heavily on Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya and Ben Godfrey as his central defensive options.

For a club aiming to compete seriously on three domestic fronts, that is a thin line to walk. If injuries or suspensions bite, the decision to move on from Souttar could be one McInnes has to live with all the way to May.