Barry Ferguson Backs John Souttar as Rangers Outcast Nears Aris Move

John Souttar is on his way out of Ibrox, but he’s leaving with one of Rangers’ most respected former captains firmly in his corner.

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. From that moment, his Rangers future was effectively over. Now, with Aris having reached an agreement to sign him and the defender expected in Greece shortly, the next chapter is finally taking shape.

It comes only weeks after Souttar signed a one-year contract extension with the club. On paper, that deal hinted at trust and continuity. In reality, it preceded a swift fall down the pecking order and a season spent on the outside looking in.

Ferguson’s glowing verdict

Barry Ferguson knows Souttar better than most inside the Rangers orbit. The pair worked together during Ferguson’s stint as interim manager, and the former midfielder has never forgotten the impression the centre-back made.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 10 September, Ferguson didn’t bother with caveats.

“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.”

That’s not faint praise. Ferguson, a serial winner at Ibrox and a demanding figure by reputation, rarely hands out compliments cheaply. For him, Souttar is not just capable; he’s the kind of presence you want in the heart of a squad, especially one chasing trophies on multiple fronts.

A defender Rangers chose to do without

Souttar’s Rangers spell has never been straightforward. Fitness issues repeatedly disrupted his rhythm and limited his influence just when he seemed ready to establish himself as a mainstay in the back line. Even so, when available, he offered experience, composure and a voice at the back that managers often value in high-pressure games.

That’s why McInnes’ stance has raised eyebrows. The Rangers boss made his position clear early: Souttar could look for a new club, and he has not been involved since the start of the season. For a player of his profile and international pedigree, that’s a stark demotion.

As the domestic schedule tightens, the decision looks even bolder. Rangers are out of Europe, which only sharpens the focus on the Premiership, the Scottish Cup and the Premier Sports Cup. McInnes is expected to deliver silverware. There’s no hiding from that demand at Ibrox.

The first real shot at a trophy comes quickly. Celtic visit Govan on 13 September in the quarter-final of the Premier Sports Cup, a tie that will be loaded with noise, pressure and consequence. Those are exactly the occasions where a seasoned defender with Souttar’s experience can steady a back line and a dressing room.

Rangers will go into that test with Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya and Ben Godfrey as their recognised centre-back options. Three players, one position group, three domestic competitions. It’s a calculated risk.

Regret on the horizon?

McInnes may yet be proved right if his chosen trio stay fit, form a solid partnership and carry Rangers deep into every competition. But if injuries bite, suspensions stack up or performances dip at the wrong time, the absence of a player like Souttar will be impossible to ignore.

Because this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about having a defender who has been through the battles, understands the demands of Ibrox and, as Ferguson stressed, can lead a dressing room.

Aris look set to benefit from that package now. They are not picking up a fading squad player, but a 29-year-old international whom a Rangers legend still describes as a “top centre-half”.

Rangers, by contrast, have made their choice. The question is whether, deep into a gruelling season and with trophies on the line, they’ll wish they still had that “chosen one” in reserve rather than watching him rebuild his career under the Greek sun.