Michael Beale and Jack Butland react as Rangers announce brand new contract
Rangers have confirmed that John Souttar has signed a new contract at Ibrox, and both Jack Butland and Michael Beale have been reacting to the news.
Announcing via their official club channels on Thursday, Rangers have revealed that Souttar has penned a new deal with the Gers until May 2027, with the option of another 12 months available.
Posting the news to their official Instagram account, a host of Souttar’s former and current teammates have been reacting to his new contract.
Butland, Connor Barron and young Gers goalkeeper Mason Munn all liked the post, whilst former Rangers manager Beale also liked it too, showing his support and affection for the defender.
Ex-Rangers midfielder and fan favourite Ryan Jack also liked the Instagram post, with the 33-year-old now playing his football for Turkish second division side Esenler Erokspor.
John Souttar has earned his new Rangers contract
Souttar is a centre-back that splits opinion among Rangers fans, with some feeling he should be nowhere near the starting XI, whilst others view him as a key member of Danny Rohl’s defence.
The 29-year-old has been at Ibrox since the summer of 2022, when he joined on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Hearts.
However, his underlying numbers from this season paint a picture of a central defender who has been performing very well for Gers, and that’s been reflected with the awarding of a new deal.
As per Sofascore, the 21-cap Scotland international is registering an amazing 96 per cent passing accuracy from inside his own half this season, and has made zero errors leading to a goal.
He’s also won 66 per cent of his aerial duels, and is averaging 6.4 clearances per game in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers needed to tie down Souttar ahead of summer of uncertainty
So, whilst news of Souttar’s new deal is garnering mixed reviews from Rangers fans, it’s clear why Ibrox chiefs have felt the need to secure him in place for at least another season.
Nasser Djiga is only on loan from Wolves, and with no option for Gers to buy him, Wanderers could see him as a vital part of their inevitable Championship side next season.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Fernandez is reportedly in the sights of some top European clubs, and so he may not be longed for Glasgow for too much longer.
- Souttar has played 127 times for Rangers
- He’s started 19 of his 20 Scottish Premiership games this season
- The defender has also made six Champions League and five Europa League outings this term
Gers do have the option to buy Derek Cornelius, but the Marseille loanee has been injured since November, and it’s unclear how Rohl feels about signing him permanently.
Therefore, this summer could bring about some major changes in the heart of Rangers’ defence, so keeping a player like Souttar around does at least provide solidity and continuity.
For even more Rangers transfer news, head over to Football Insider.