John Souttar's Rangers Future: Potential Move in Days
John Souttar’s Rangers future is set to come to a head within days, with Derek McInnes admitting interest from two clubs is “a bit further down the line” for one of them as speculation over a move intensifies.
The Scotland defender is still at Ibrox despite the Scottish window shutting, but the door remains open for him to leave if the right offer lands on the table. With the Greek market open until September 15 and Aris Thessaloniki heavily linked, the clock is still ticking on a deal.
McInnes: ‘It could develop in the next two or three days’
Speaking on Thursday, McInnes revealed he had spoken directly to Souttar that morning before training, as Rangers prepare for Sunday’s Old Firm clash with Celtic.
“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 earlier in the day claimed Aris had a €1.2 million bid accepted and that a medical had been pencilled in for Sunday. McInnes, though, made it clear the situation has not yet reached the finishing line, even if the pace is clearly picking up.
Rangers have already told Souttar that his long-term future lies away from the club. McInnes had made that plain before the midweek match against St Mirren.
“John has been told his long-term future would be best served elsewhere,” he said then. “But if nothing materialises, then of course we'll honour his contract, and he'll come back into things.”
Surplus to requirements at Ibrox
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 central defence, leaving the 27-year-old on the outside looking in.
He was linked with moves earlier in the window but stayed put when the main deadline passed. Now, with two clubs circling and one pushing harder than the other, his situation could change quickly.
McInnes declined to name the interested sides, but his repeated hint that one suitor is “further down the line” will only fuel the talk around a potential switch abroad, with Greece firmly in the frame.
Clinton Nsiala is another defender available for a move, though a proposed switch to Cyprus has fallen through for now.
Rangers know they have a narrow window and a clear decision to make. The question is whether Souttar’s next chapter begins in the coming days – and whether his final act in a Rangers shirt has already been played.
