Barry Ferguson Supports John Souttar's Move from Rangers to Greece

Barry Ferguson has thrown his weight behind John Souttar as the defender edges towards the Ibrox exit.

The Scotland international was told at the very start of pre-season that he was not part of Derek McInnes’ plans and should find a new club. Now, with Aris having reached an agreement to sign him, the 29-year-old looks set to swap Glasgow for Greece despite only recently penning a one-year extension with Rangers.

Ferguson baffled by Souttar snub

Souttar has battled fitness problems during his time at Ibrox but, when available, he has been a steady presence and a strong character around the squad. That is exactly how Barry Ferguson remembers him from his spell as interim manager.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 10 September, the Rangers legend could not hide his admiration.

“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 is adamant that any club picking up Souttar is getting more than just a defender. For him, the centre-back still has the quality to play at a high level and the personality to drive a dressing room.

Risky call from McInnes?

McInnes’ stance is clear. Souttar has not featured this season and has been frozen out of the first-team picture. The manager has decided to move on without him at a time when Rangers’ margin for error has shrunk.

Rangers are already out of Europe. That heaps pressure on their domestic campaign, with the Premier Sports Cup offering the first realistic shot at silverware. The stakes spike immediately: Celtic visit Ibrox in the quarter-final on 13 September.

This is where the decision to discard Souttar starts to look like a gamble. McInnes is heading into a crucial period with only Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya and Ben Godfrey as his recognised centre-back options.

For a club expected to push for all three domestic trophies, that is a thin core in a key area of the pitch. Experience matters when the games tighten and the pressure bites. Souttar, with his know-how and presence, might have been exactly the sort of figure you want to turn to.

Instead, he is packing his bags for Greece, praised by a club icon but unwanted by the current manager.

If Rangers find themselves short at the back when the season reaches its defining weeks, McInnes will know exactly which decision is being questioned first.