Credit: Imago

Pranav Shahaney

Sun 13 July 2025 15:01, UK

Rangers defender John Souttar could be on his way out of Ibrox in the summer transfer window.

The Scotland international has been a consistent performer for Gers and is now subject to transfer interest.

Russell Martin wants Rangers to sign defenders, but it remains to be seen what his stance is on selling the 28-year-old.

Trabzonspor table official bid for John Souttar

According to YS TV journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu (13 July), an official bid has been made by Trabzonspor for Souttar.

The 28-year-old, who moved to Gers in 2022, is now being linked with a permanent exit.

Prior to his Ibrox switch, Souttar spent six years at Hearts, establishing himself as one of the top defenders in the SPFL.

While he has faced injury issues, the Scotland international has been a regular for the Light Blues.

Rangers must have a replacement in mind for Souttar

If Rangers are seriously considering selling Souttar, then they have to have replacements in mind.

Leon Balogun has already left, leaving them short of a reliable centre-back.

While Robin Propper has been inconsistent, he did play over 40 games last season, so he was there as an option to count on in defence.

With the Dutchman close to returning to FC Twente, it leaves the Glasgow side potentially short of another centre-back.

Losing Souttar means they will be without their top three centre-backs from last season, which would be plenty of upheaval.

It remains to be seen how the hierarchy at Ibrox are to handle this situation as Souttar himself may want to leave.

They either need to convince him to stay or set a valuation that high so they wouldn’t mind if he does end up leaving, but whether or not Martin sanctions this, is another thing.

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