John Souttar's Future: Ferguson Backs Defender Leaving Rangers
Barry Ferguson has thrown his weight behind John Souttar as the defender prepares to leave Rangers, insisting the Scotland international still has plenty to offer at the top level.
Souttar was told at the start of pre-season that he was not part of Derek McInnes’ plans and should find a new club, a blunt message for a player who only recently signed a one-year extension and has been an influential figure at Ibrox in recent years.
Now, a move to Aris is close. The Greek side have reached an agreement to sign the 29-year-old, with the centre-back expected to travel to Greece shortly as his time in Govan winds down.
Ferguson stunned by Souttar snub
Ferguson, who worked closely with Souttar during his spell as interim manager, admitted he has been taken aback by how quickly the defender has been cast aside.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 10 September, the Rangers legend could not hide his admiration.
“I worked very closely with John for three months, and I've got to be honest with you, he was outstanding for me. A real good professional. He was a really good leader in the dressing room.
“It was a surprise not being involved since the start of the season. Wherever he goes, they're getting a top centre-half in my opinion.”
Those are not empty compliments. Ferguson has seen Souttar up close, leaning on him as a voice in the dressing room and a steady presence at the back. For him, the defender is not a fading squad player being moved on, but a character and a competitor who could still have helped Rangers through a demanding campaign.
Risky call from McInnes
Souttar’s Rangers career has been punctured by fitness issues, and that record has clearly counted against him. Yet even with those concerns, there is a sense that McInnes may have taken a gamble by freezing him out entirely.
Rangers are out of Europe, which sharpens the focus on domestic silverware. McInnes is expected to deliver trophies, and the first real shot comes quickly: Celtic visit Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on 13 September.
That is exactly the type of night when experience at centre-back matters. Rangers will go into the heart of the season leaning on Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya and Ben Godfrey as their central defensive options. Three players, one department, and a schedule that demands consistency across all three Scottish competitions.
In that context, letting a seasoned international and proven leader walk away feels like a decision that will be judged harshly if injuries or suspensions bite.
Souttar, once viewed as a chosen cornerstone for the future, now heads for a fresh start in Greece. Aris are getting a defender endorsed in the strongest possible terms by a Rangers icon. McInnes, by contrast, is backing his call that Rangers can chase every domestic prize without him.
