Rangers told to demand £4m as ‘risky John Souttar sale’ now on cards
John Souttar could leave Rangers this summer.
The ex-Hearts defender has potentially already rubbed Russell Martin the wrong way after deciding to delay his surgery to play for Scotland.
The 28-year-old’s place in the side could be in jeopardy following the signings of Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga.
Trabzonspor have been linked with an approach for the 16-cap international and the interest is legitimate.
Rangers would be taking huge risk if Souttar leaves
Speculation surrounding Souttar’s future at Ibrox continues to prosper as the new approaches.
Four Lads journalist Stevie Clifford believes that the Gers should keep hold of the Scotland international, and it would be a risk to let him leave.
Speaking on the Rangers Review’s Monday Morning Briefing (14 July), he said: “If John Souttar moved on from Rangers on a normal contract, I’d be looking for £3-4million for Souttar as an international at a good age.
“You are not going to get anywhere near that with a year left. I am not starting Fernandez and Njiga together for Panathinaikos; I think that is too risky.
“Not for me, unless it was a phenomenal offer, then we would have to consider it, no, I’m not enthused about that, unless it was an offer we could not turn down.”
Souttar should stay at Rangers
The new majority owners, the 49ers Enterprises group and Andrew Cavenagh, are already facing multiple tough decisions this summer.
The likes of Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers could leave Govan, with significant interest in their services.
Having to replace Souttar, who is contracted until 2026, would be a hindrance to the rest of their business, which could include replacing the aforementioned duo.
It may be better for the Scottish Premiership outfit to get another year out of Souttar and then let him leave on a free when his contract expires than lose him for a minimal fee right now.
As Clifford points out, it would be a huge gamble to rely on the likes of Fernandes and Djiga to start, especially in a crucial Champions League qualifier.
The Gers need to be nearly perfect if they are to catch Celtic domestically and get into Europe’s elite competition proper for the first time since the 2022/23 season.
They would be much more confident about their chances if they had the Scotland man at the heart of their backline, rather than relying on inexperienced, young defenders, who have not had a taste of Scottish football yet.
It may be one of the last chances to cash in on Souttar, but it would be a risky move if they cannot make more additions in the position before the season starts.
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