Rangers surprise emerges as Bailey Rice ‘to reject new contract’ at Ibrox
Rangers have opened talks with Bailey Rice over a new contract at Ibrox, but negotiations could potentially break down.
The 18-year-old has broken into the first-team setup at the Glaswegian outfit this season, with fans expecting huge things from him.
While the Scottish youngster has often arguably been overlooked this season, he started for the Gers in their 0-0 draw against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League at home.
Rice is set to be offered a new contract at Ibrox, with his current deal expiring in 2026, but the youngster could potentially reject it.
Rice to want Rangers guarantees as contract surprise emerges
It’d be surprising to see Rice reject a contract offer from the Gers, Four Lads says.
Stevie Clifford would be astonished if the 18-year-old doesn’t renew his deal at the Light Blues when one fan suggested that the youngster may look elsewhere after struggling for game time.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances |
| Scottish Premiership | 2 |
| Europa League | 3 |
| Scottish Cup | 2 |
While Four Lads believes the Scotland Under-19 international’s decision can’t be considered a formality at this stage as he’ll want some sort of guarantees, the midfielder is expected to pen fresh terms at Ibrox.
Speaking on the Rangers Review (23 April), Clifford said: “I’d be very surprised if Rice didn’t renew and tie his future down at Rangers. I’d be extremely surprised if that were the case. I’m not going to use the word formality because he’ll want guarantees, but I do think it’s a positive.”
49ers must build for future at Ibrox
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises could potentially make their way to the Glaswegian outfit sooner rather than later after reaching a breakthrough in their bid to buy controlling shares at Ibrox.
The US consortium will have several significant decisions to make once they complete their takeover, with the futures of several superstars up in the air.
Vaclav Cerny could return to Wolfsburg once his loan deal expires, but the Light Blues do have an option to make his move permanent.
Ianis Hagi is another player at Rangers whose immediate future is uncertain, and the Americans will unarguably have to resolve some of the issues at the club.
John Souttar’s contract expires in 2026, but the Gers undoubtedly wouldn’t want the Scottish defender to go into the final year of his contract.
The Light Blues have already lost multiple players for free in the past, and the prospective new owners need to learn from those mistakes.
Rice has shown immense quality at the Bears and is definitely one to keep an eye on for the future.
With the right development plan for the 18-year-old, the Glaswegian outfit could potentially turn him into one of the best Scottish talents in years.
Exciting times may be up ahead for the defensive midfielder at Ibrox.