Bailey Rice contract: Everything Rangers fans need to know as midfielder signs new deal
Bailey Rice has committed his future to Rangers.
The Gers announced on Monday that the midfielder had signed a new contract, ending speculation around his future.
The 19-year-old had been linked with a free transfer to West Brom, Aston Villa, Schalke and Ajax.
However, he will remain in Govan, rather than moving elsewhere, and hope to make an impact under Derek McInnes.
Injuries have plagued Rice over the last season, so he could not show Danny Rohl what he could bring to the side.
Ibrox News rounds up everything Gers fans need to know about the former Motherwell man's new deal.
How long is Bailey Rice's contract extension at Rangers?
Rice has agreed to a one-year extension, but it is not as simple as that.
The Light Blues have an option to extend the deal by another year, but whether that is dependent on the player's agreement has not been revealed.
He should be at Ibrox until 2028 at the very earliest, following the news over the deal.
What did Rice say about Rangers extension?
Rice has confirmed that he is excited to sign fresh terms with the G51 club, and believes he can have more impact going forward.
Speaking to the club's official website, he said: “It’s brilliant. I have been a fan since I was a kid, so I know what it means to play here, and I know what the club means to me, so it is a great achievement.
“It is such a great club, I have had some great moments, but I have also had some of the hardest moments of my career with injury, but that can only make me a better player, and I feel I can show a lot more than I already have.”
What has been said about Rice in the past?
Michael Beale previously praised the midfielder's mentality after he signed his previous contract with the club.
Speaking in September 2023, he ex-boss said: “Bailey is aware that he has a long road ahead in terms of further improvement, and maintaining the same excellent mentality will be key to him fulfilling his full potential.”
If that is true, then he has the ability to bounce back from his setbacks and become a hit among the Gers fanbase.
How has Rice performed at Rangers?
Rice has made 16 appearances so far in his time with the Govan side.
He is yet to record a goal or assist in 472 minutes for the Gers, but that is not necessarily a surprise since he is a midfielder.
He is yet to receive consistent gametime and contributions will likely come when he has a long-term run in the team.
Whether he gets that under McInnes or remains on the periphery remains to be seen, but the fact that he has agreed to stay put with all the interest in his services suggests that he sees a future at the club.