John Souttar's Rangers Future: Decision Imminent
John Souttar’s Rangers future is edging towards a decision, with Derek McInnes admitting a move could take shape within “the next two or three days” as interest from two clubs gathers speed.
The Scotland defender is still at Ibrox despite the Scottish transfer window closing, and he trained as normal on Thursday morning. But everyone around the club knows the score now: if the right offer lands, Rangers are ready to let him go.
Two clubs in the mix – and one is ahead
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm clash with Celtic, McInnes confirmed fresh movement in the situation after holding talks with Souttar earlier in the day.
“I spoke to John this morning, he trained, there's a bit of interest in him from one or two clubs, one club maybe a bit further down the line than the other but I think it's something that could develop but I don't think it's at that stage yet but maybe something will happen over the next two or three days,” he said.
Reports in Greece have repeatedly linked Souttar with Aris Thessaloniki, with suggestions a €1.2 million bid had been accepted and claims that a medical was already pencilled in for Sunday. The Greek window remains open until September 15, leaving room for manoeuvre that Scottish clubs no longer have.
McInnes, though, was clear: a deal is not over the line yet. Talks are active, not final.
Told to look elsewhere – but door not slammed
The Rangers manager has already been upfront about Souttar’s situation. His long-term future, the club believes, lies away from Ibrox.
“John has been told his long-term future would be best served elsewhere,” McInnes said earlier in the week before the match against St Mirren.
That sounded like the beginning of the end. Yet the message came with a caveat.
“But if nothing materialises, then of course we'll honour his contract, and he'll come back into things."
So the picture is clear: Rangers are prepared for life without him, but they are not about to force him out the door at any cost.
Defensive reshuffle leaves Souttar on the outside
Souttar has slipped down the pecking order after a summer rebuild at the back. Ben Godfrey and Olwethu Makhanya arrived to join Emmanuel Fernandez in the centre-back pool, tightening competition for places and pushing the former Hearts man towards the margins.
He had already been linked with moves earlier in the summer, yet stayed put as the main window shut. Now, with markets elsewhere still open, the story has flared back to life.
McInnes again underlined the twin-track interest without naming names.
“There's a bit of interest in him from one or two clubs, one club maybe a bit further down the line than the other,” he reiterated.
Clinton Nsiala is also available for a move, although a proposed switch to Cyprus has stalled for now, underlining how fluid Rangers’ defensive department remains behind the scenes.
For Souttar, the next 72 hours could decide whether he fights for a place in Glasgow or starts over abroad.
