Barry Ferguson Backs John Souttar as Top Centre-Half
Barry Ferguson has thrown his weight behind John Souttar as the defender prepares to leave Rangers, insisting any club signing him is getting a “top centre-half”.
Souttar was told at the start of pre-season he was not part of Derek McInnes’ plans and should find a new club, despite only recently agreeing a one-year contract extension at Ibrox. Now, with a move to Aris close, one of his former bosses has stepped forward to underline exactly what Rangers are letting go.
Ferguson baffled by Souttar snub
The 29-year-old has been on the fringes under McInnes, frozen out of matchday involvement even as Rangers reshaped their squad following their European exit. That decision has left Ferguson, who worked with Souttar during his spell as interim manager, genuinely puzzled.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 10 September, the former Rangers captain could not have been clearer.
“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.”
Ferguson saw Souttar up close and clearly still rates him highly, not just for his ability but for his presence around the squad. In his eyes, the Scotland international remains the kind of experienced voice a dressing room leans on when pressure builds.
Exit looms as Aris move nears
Aris have reached an agreement to sign Souttar, with the centre-back expected in Greece shortly. For a player who has battled fitness issues during his time in Glasgow, the move offers a fresh start and regular football.
Rangers, though, are losing a defender who has been influential in recent seasons when fit. Souttar’s spell at Ibrox has been stop-start, but his quality on the ball and organisational skills at the back have never really been in doubt.
McInnes has made his stance clear. Souttar has not featured since the beginning of the campaign, and the manager has pressed ahead with a different core at centre-back. The decision looks final now, with Aris set to benefit.
Risky call as Rangers chase silverware
The timing is striking. Rangers are out of Europe and McInnes knows exactly what that means: the domestic competitions carry even more weight. Silverware is not optional this season; it is expected.
The first real test of that demand comes quickly. Ibrox will host Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on 13 September, a tie that will shape the mood around Govan early in the campaign.
Souttar’s experience and leadership would not have harmed Rangers’ prospects going into a fixture of that magnitude. Instead, McInnes heads into a crucial period with just three recognised centre-backs to lean on: Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya and Ben Godfrey.
For a club aiming to compete seriously on all three domestic fronts, it is a bold gamble to go light in such a critical area of the pitch. If injuries or suspensions bite, the absence of a seasoned defender like Souttar could quickly move from a talking point to a regret.
