Glasgow Rangers are refusing to stand still in the transfer market, with manager Derek McInnes now eyeing up a double defensive swoop amid the uncertain future of John Souttar.
McInnes wasted no time in reshaping the Gers this summer, and the Ibrox boss looks ready to continue that rebuild by targeting two new centre-backs in August.
The new era got underway with a frustrating 1-1 draw away to Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Friday night. Rangers fell behind to the hosts through Lachlan Rose’s first-half opener before Thelo Aasgaard rescued a point, leaving McInnes admitting afterwards that his side lacked composure and urgency despite flashes of promise from his new-look squad.
Following the underwhelming start on the pitch, there is little expectation that Rangers will slow down in the transfer market. McInnes has already overseen a significant overhaul since replacing Danny Rohl, with arrivals including now captain Lawrence Shankland, Ben Godfrey, Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin, Vanja Dragojevic and Ivor Pandur.
Centre-back Olwethu Makhanya was one of the latest to make the move to Glasgow, with those behind the scenes at Ibrox bringing in funds by selling Oliver Antman and Jack Butland so far this summer.
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It was Godfrey and Emmanuel Fernandez who got the nod at centre-back at Tannadice, however Godfrey was forced off through injury after the hour mark on his competitive Rangers debut, being replaced by Ross McCrorie.
John Souttar expected to leave Rangers with 2 defenders wanted
Meanwhile, Souttar’s future remains unresolved after weeks of speculation linking the Scotland international with a move away from Ibrox. McInnes has so far declined to give a definitive answer on Souttar’s situation, fuelling further suggestions that an exit remains possible before the transfer window closes.
TEAMtalk has now revealed Rangers could make up to four more signings before the deadline, with two new defensive reinforcements on the shortlist due to Souttar’s expected departure.
Whether McInnes opts for experience or another younger profile remains to be seen, but bringing in two central defenders appears to be on the to-do list if Souttar brings to an end his four-year stay at Ibrox.
Souttar, who was called “unbelievable” by Scotland captain Andy Robertson, has made 132 appearances for Rangers and has been heavily linked with Leicester City.
Why Rangers and Leicester need to reach John Souttar agreement
Rangers
If Souttar is no longer viewed as a guaranteed starter, selling him helps create room for a defensive rebuild better suited to McInnes’ style. It would also generate pure profit from a financial view after signing him on a free transfer back in 2022.
Leicester
Russell Martin knows exactly what he’s getting after working with Souttar at Ibrox. An immediate return to the Championship for the Foxes is what is required and Souttar’s leadership and experience could be just what they need.
The 29-year-old, however, has interest from other English clubs beyond the Foxes, and now appears to be the right time for a mutual separation between the two parties, with Souttar into the final 12 months of his Rangers contract.
It would allow Souttar to go and play regular first-team football for the first time away from Scotland, whereas Rangers can cash in and accelerate McInnes’ rebuild.
The opening-day draw showed there is still plenty of work ahead for McInnes, but if Rangers can complete another defensive double swoop before the deadline, the Ibrox manager will hope his squad is better equipped to mount a genuine title challenge.
