Chris Jack Confirms Rangers Transfer Ahead of Celtic Tie

Despite an eventful summer transfer window so far, Rangers are still making moves to build the squad manager Derek McInnes wants.

The Gers have seemingly overhauled their squad, adding 14 new players this summer.

Quite naturally, McInnes has a number of players fighting for the same squad already despite the significant departures this summer.

However, the new manager already made his choices clear during the Light Blues' recent fixtures.

As a result, after the departure of Thelo Aasgaard this summer, another out-of-favor Rangers star has reportedly decided on his Rangers future.

According to journalist Chris Jack, center-back John Souttar has decided to join Greek side Aris Thessaloniki for an undisclosed fee, as the Greek transfer window will be open until September 15th.

Following the green light from the Teddy Bears, Souttar will now travel to Greece to undergo his medical before joining his new side.

After the signings of Olwethu Makhanya, Ross McCrorie and Ben Godfrey earlier this summer, McInnes was quick to break the bad news to Souttar regarding his position in his squad.

Before the appointment of McInnes this summer, the Scottish international played an important role in the Light Blues' defensive lineup under their previous managers.

The 30-year-old was brought in by the club back in the summer of 2022 from Hearts, but the start to his Ibrox career was marred by an ankle injury which sidelined him for around eight months.

Despite the early setback, Souttar made a strong comeback and was an out-and-out starter for McInness's predecessors, Philippe Clement, Russel Martin and Danny Rohl.

Souttar's solid performances in the Gers' backline earned him a spot in Scotland's World Cup squad this summer, but he ultimately did not play a single minute.  

Upon his return to Glasgow, the 29-year-old found himself placed fifth in the Light Blues' defensive pecking order, behind Emmanuel Fernandez and the Gers' three summer recruits: Godfrey, McCrorie, and Makhanya.

Now, despite signing a contract extension till 2028 earlier this year, Souttar will leave Ibrox for a new challenge with Aris.

There is no doubt regarding the qualities which the Scottish center-back possesses, which are expected to be on display in the Greek Super League with his new side.

As for the Gers and McInnes, they look to be quite settled with their current defensive options following four Scottish Premiership wins on the trot.

But the real test now awaits the Light Blues, as they take on their cross-town rivals in two back-to-back Glasgow derbies, one at Ibrox this Sunday for a spot in the Scottish League Cup semifinals and the other away from home at Celtic Park in the Premiership.