Barry Ferguson and Davie Provan: Hindsight shows Rangers errored on John Souttar
Injuries and form issues among the Rangers defence prove the club were wrong not to land John Souttar in January say Barry Ferguson and Davie Provan.
The Hearts defender will arrive at Ibrox upon the expiry of his contract in the summer, and Gers failed with multiple bids to make the signing during the transfer window.
But since Leon Balogun was injured against Hibs, and with Filip Helander not yet fully fit, plus Borna Barisic and Calvin Bassey struggling for form, Giovanni van Bronckhorst is facing defensive issues ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Speaking on Go Radio former Light Blues captain Ferguson said, via the Scottish Sun: “I was surprised the deal didn’t get done if I’m being honest.
“I think Gio was looking at it and, well, you don’t know that Balogun is going to get an injury.
“Should they have paid (the asking price) to get John Souttar in? I would’ve liked to have seen John Souttar in.
“Get him used to the surroundings, get him used to his teammates and then he could get off to a flyer at the start of next season.”
Ex-Celtic winger Provan added: “They were in the same situation last year with Scott Wright and paid the money and got the boy in. I think that was a good decision.
“With the benefit of hindsight you’d say Rangers should’ve coughed up.”
Made so much sense
It is always easy to speak with the benefit of hindsight but it did seem to make so much sense last month for the Scotland international to be brought in immediately.
The club clearly thought this as well as they are thought to have had as many as three bids rejected by the Jambos.
And ultimately if a club don’t want to play ball over a transfer there is only so far you can go.
The decision not to make the final push can only be judged based on the asking price.
If Gers had overspent on a transfer that they already had in the bag for the summer they would have been criticised for wasting money.
Craig Levein believed the price to be over £600,000 (Football Scotland) but Tynecastle manager Robbie Neilson subsequently said the price had gone up following an injury to Craig Hackett (Scottish Sun).
If he was available for less than £1million it feels like the deal should have been made, especially considering how tight the title race had become.
In other Rangers news, the club have brought in the Championship leaders’ number one to work in the academy.