Barry Ferguson Supports John Souttar's Move from Rangers
Barry Ferguson has thrown his weight behind John Souttar as the defender edges towards the Ibrox exit.
The Scotland international was told at the start of pre-season that he was not in Derek McInnes’ plans and should find a new club. Now, with Aris having reached an agreement to sign him and the centre-back expected in Greece shortly, his Rangers chapter is all but over.
It comes only weeks after Souttar signed a one-year contract extension at the club. A player trusted in recent seasons, an organiser at the back, now being ushered out the door.
Ferguson’s backing for a “top centre-half”
Ferguson knows Souttar well. The former Rangers captain worked with him during a three-month spell as interim manager and saw enough to be convinced.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 10 September, Ferguson said: “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.”
That is the crux of Ferguson’s frustration. In his eyes, this is not a fringe player being quietly moved on, but a seasoned defender with presence, voice and experience who could still have played a role for McInnes.
Rangers take a gamble at the back
Souttar’s time at Rangers has been scarred by fitness problems. Those issues have clearly influenced McInnes’ decision, yet the call still carries risk.
Rangers are out of Europe and the pressure on domestic success has cranked up. McInnes is expected to deliver silverware, with the Premier Sports Cup offering the first realistic shot. Ibrox will stage a quarter-final showdown against Celtic on 13 September, a night when calm heads and big-game know-how will matter.
Souttar will not be part of it. Instead, McInnes will lean on Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya and Ben Godfrey as his central defensive options. Three players, one department, and a long season in three domestic competitions.
For a club demanding trophies on all fronts, letting an experienced centre-half walk while trusting a relatively slim core at the back is a bold move. If injuries and suspensions bite, the decision to cast Souttar aside may not just be questioned – it may define Rangers’ season.
