John Souttar Could Return to Rangers Plans After Aris Move Collapses

Rangers defender John Souttar could be handed a route back into Derek McInnes’ plans after his proposed transfer to Aris Thessaloniki reportedly collapsed, leaving the Scotland international facing an uncertain few months at Ibrox.

The defender had been encouraged to find another club following McInnes’ appointment during the summer. According to Inside Ibrox, the move failed to go through before the Greek transfer window closed on September 15.  

A disagreement over compensation for terminating his Rangers contract prevented the centre-back from completing the switch. Greek outlet Sportime had reported that Souttar agreed terms with Aris, but negotiations over his departure from Glasgow broke down after Rangers allegedly revised the proposed settlement.  

Its account suggested the defender initially accepted a reduction in the money he was owed. However, the report claimed the Ibrox club subsequently requested a larger concession, prompting Souttar to reject the revised terms and inform Aris that he would remain in Glasgow.

McInnes had addressed the possibility of retaining Souttar before the Greek deadline, having indicated that regular football elsewhere would offer the defender the best way forward.

He also left open the possibility of involving him if no departure materialised. Discussing that scenario, the Rangers manager said: "Then, of course, we honour the contract, and he comes back into things."  

McInnes made those remarks on September 8, while overseas opportunities were still being explored. Souttar would nevertheless face competition for opportunities. Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya have been McInnes’ preferred central defensive pairing, while Atalanta loanee Ben Godfrey provides an additional option.  

Remaining at the club therefore offers no guarantee of an immediate return to the starting line-up. The 29-year-old signed a contract extension in February, committing to Rangers until May 2027, with the club retaining an option for another year.  

The extension was announced under Danny Rohl, who praised Souttar’s leadership and importance within the dressing room. Souttar had already made more than 125 appearances by the time of the extension, since arriving in the summer of 2022.

His experience could still prove useful if McInnes needs additional defensive cover as the season progresses. Keeping an experienced defender involved could strengthen the Light Blues' options, although the manager must weigh that against the partnerships he has already established.

Nevertheless, January could provide another opportunity to revisit his future. Until then, it will be interesting to see whether McInnes' willingness to bring Souttar back into consideration also results in actual appearances.