Russell Martin ‘unhappy with John Souttar’ as Rangers exit on cards
John Souttar could potentially have left a bad impression on Russell Martin already at Rangers amid talks of a transfer.
The Scottish manager has taken over the Gers ahead of next season, and Kevin Thelwell has already made several defensive additions to the squad.
Now, Souttar is attracting interest from Trabzonspor, and it will be interesting to see whether the Light Blues will be willing to sell one of their most crucial centre-backs from the previous campaign.
Having signed Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga, the Glaswegian outfit are still looking to add Leicester City defender Conor Coady to their ranks, and Martin may want so many additions to his backline due to what the former Hearts star has done.
Souttar surgery delay could factor in Rangers transfer decision as Martin not pleased
Souttar didn’t endear himself to the new management team at the Gers with a decision to delay his surgery, Keith Jackson says.
The Daily Record journalist believes Martin and his backroom staff may have been left disappointed with the 28-year-old defender as he compromised his availability against Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifier.
Jackson wonders whether the Scotland international’s recent fitness issue will factor into the decision to possibly sell him at Ibrox this summer.
| Appearances | Goals | Minutes played |
| 40 | 1 | 3411 |
Speaking on Hotline Live (13 July), the journalist said: “I don’t think Souttar has endeared himself to the new management team by delaying having his hernia operation and possibly compromising his place in the team for the Panathanaikos matches.
“That was probably a bad introduction and a bit of an awkward one. So you wonder if that’s getting factored into the decision-making.”
Souttar should be sold at Ibrox after defensive transfers
Once Coady is hopefully signed from Leicester, the Gers should consider selling some of their centre-backs.
Robin Propper’s return to FC Twente is at a standstill for now due to conversations over a compensation fee.
Souttar is another candidate to leave the Light Blues as his current contract expires at the end of next season.
Rangers should keep Clinton Nsiala in their ranks and instead work on parting ways with the Scottish centre-back.
The former AC Milan youngster showed glimpses of his talent in the previous campaign, and it would make sense to keep hold of him.
Martin could potentially form the core of his backline with Coady, Djiga, Fernandez and Nsiala, making the former Hearts defender surplus to requirements.
Only time will tell how the 28-year-old’s situation at Ibrox will unfold, but an exit may be on the cards.
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