NafisaRangers’ summer rebuild shows no signs of slowing down as Derek McInnes continues shaping his squad ahead of the new campaign. The Ibrox boss has already overseen several arrivals since taking charge, but strengthening the defensive unit remains one of the club’s top priorities before the transfer window closes.
With competition for places increasing across the squad, difficult decisions are also being made regarding players who no longer feature in McInnes’ long-term plans. While new signings continue to arrive, others are now edging closer to the exit door as Rangers look to reshape the balance of the squad.
One experienced first-team defender now appears to be among those heading for an Ibrox departure, with fresh reports suggesting Rangers are actively preparing for life without him.
John Souttar exit edges closer as Rangers target new defender
Rangers are reportedly preparing another move for a left-sided centre-back, with the signing expected to pave the way for John Souttar’s departure from Ibrox.
According to Football Insider, the Light Blues have already strengthened the heart of their defence with the arrival of Ben Godfrey this summer but are now looking to recruit a naturally left-footed central defender to further improve their backline.
That pursuit is expected to have direct consequences for Souttar, who has entered the final stages of his Rangers career despite still having a contract that runs until the summer of 2027.
The Scotland international did not travel with the squad for their pre-season tour of Spain, further fuelling speculation surrounding his future.
Sources cited by Football Insider claim Souttar is attracting interest from clubs in England after falling completely out of Derek McInnes’ plans for the 2026-27 campaign.
Potential suitors are understood to be hoping Rangers will accept a reduced transfer fee, with the Ibrox club aware they are unlikely to command a significant sum for the 29-year-old defender.
Souttar made 24 Scottish Premiership appearances last season but slipped down the pecking order during the closing stages of the campaign under former manager Danny Röhl.
John Souttar exit plan breaks Derek McInnes mould
Since arriving at Rangers, McInnes has looked to build a squad containing players with proven Scottish Premiership experience.
The new manager has already returned to former club Hearts to sign both Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland, reinforcing his desire to recruit players familiar with Scottish football.
On paper, Souttar would appear to fit that profile perfectly.
The experienced defender has made more than 275 appearances in Scotland’s top flight since making his breakthrough with Dundee United during the 2012-13 season and has spent years establishing himself as one of the league’s most recognisable centre-backs.
However, despite that experience, Football Insider reports McInnes does not see Souttar as part of his long-term plans and is instead looking to reshape the defence with different personnel.
The report adds that Rangers are prepared to let the defender leave in the coming weeks if a suitable offer arrives, while interest from clubs south of the border continues to grow.
As things stand, the signs increasingly point towards Souttar bringing his spell at Ibrox to an end before the transfer window closes.
Meanwhile, Rangers are also continuing their pursuit of Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl.
Football Insider recently reported that the Gers are ready to step up their long-standing interest in the Tromsø youngster after several Turkish Super Lig clubs also entered the race.
The 20-year-old has been monitored by Rangers across multiple transfer windows, with reports from Norway suggesting an opening offer has already been rejected.
Hjerto-Dahl has enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the Eliteserien, contributing six goals and two assists in just 13 league appearances, further strengthening his reputation as one of Norway’s brightest emerging midfield talents.
As McInnes continues to reshape his squad, Rangers appear determined to balance new arrivals with outgoing transfers, and John Souttar could soon become one of the highest-profile departures of the summer if the club succeeds in landing another central defender.
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