Done deal: Bailey Rice agrees terms with Rangers as he’s pictured with shirt
Rangers youngster Bailey Rice has signed a contract extension, keeping him at Ibrox until May 2026.
The club confirmed (12 September) that the 16-year-old has committed his future to the Gers after making his senior debut under Michael Beale last season and being a regular throughout pre-season.
The defensive midfielder has made just a single senior appearance for the club but has shone at youth level with Rangers and as captain of Scotland under-17s.
Groundwork
Beale would have been very happy to talk to the press about something other than the future of his Rangers career, but Rice’s retention looks to be a real coup for the Gers.
His boss was clear about where he sees the club’s and Rice’s futures, stating following the announcement: “Bailey is aware that he has a long road ahead in terms of further improvement, and maintaining the same excellent mentality will be key to him fulfilling his full potential.”
While Beale navigates the current issues in Glasgow, it seems unlikely that Rice will see significant first-team action this season. He has so far made the senior squad just three times, with his one appearance ending after just two minutes against Livingston last February.
Nethertheless, that is significant and vital experience for such a young player – no one is expecting him to fix the huge issues at the back, but having cooking away in the background may give some fans confidence in the youth set-up.
He has progressed as the leader of Scotland under-17s and graduated to the under-19s side, a clear indicator of his value and progression.
He may look to Leon King for advice, a man three years his senior and a Rangers academy product. While King himself is no regular for Beale, he consistently makes the bench and will likely earn decent minutes this season.
If Rice can follow a similar trajectory, Ibrox could be witness to a new emerging centre-back.
In other Rangers news, a BBC pundit has delivered a “could be a lot worse verdict” on a Gers summer signing.