Out of favour Rangers star 'on the brink' of Ibrox exit as escape plan amid transfer interest nears success

Rangers defender John Souttar is ‘on the brink’ of completing a transfer to Greek side Aris Thessaloniki.

The 29-year old has very rarely found himself out of the first team picture in Govan since his move from Hearts in January 2022, however since manager Derek McInnes took over in the summer, he hasn’t featured at all. Out of favour, Souttar had been linked with moves to EFL sides Leicester City and Sheffield United during the window but neither came to fruition.

However, the Scotland international now looks to have found his sanctuary with Aris. The Greek transfer window doesn’t close until September 15, meaning there’s still ample time to get a deal over the line. Overall, Souttar has made 132 Rangers appearances and found the back of the net four times. He will leave the club with one major honour in the form of the 2023/24 League Cup.

Souttar ‘on the brink’ of Rangers exit

According to the Daily Record: “Frozen-out John Souttar is on the brink of sealing his Rangers exit as Greek outfit Aris closes in on his signing. Derek McInnes told the Scotland international in June that he wouldn't be part of his plans, and now the 29-year-old will get the chance for a permanent departure by penning a three-year deal.”

Souttar signed a one-year contract extension with the club during the second half of last season when he was a defensive mainstay under former boss Danny Rohl. However, under McInnes, he’s slid down the selection pecking order, with new signings Ben Godfrey and Olwethu Makhanya ahead of him, as well as Emmanuel Fernandez.

Aris are signing the centre back to bolster their defence for the upcoming campaign. Manager Michalis Grigoriou is looking to improve on their fifth place finish in the top flight last season. For Souttar, his new challenge will offer him a chance to show new Scotland manger Sebastian Pocognoli what he can do.

What did McInnes say about a potential Souttar exit?

Wednesday night’s 1-0 win over St Mirren in the league marked another clean sheet in Souttar’s absence. After the match, McInnes maintained that Souttar was welcome to stay at Ibrox - but that it may be best for all parties concerned that he leaves the club.

He said: “I think he still can (play a part for us) but John has been told that his long-term future would be best served elsewhere. He still has good opportunities to move. There are a few windows still open in Europe and there are a few things looking possible for John. I don’t want to speculate too much but I think there are one or two things he’s quite keen on getting a bit of traction.”

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