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

John Souttar is edging towards the Ibrox exit, but he’s leaving with one of Rangers’ modern greats firmly in his corner.

The Scotland international has been frozen out under Derek McInnes, told at the very start of pre-season to find a new club despite only recently signing a one-year contract extension with the Light Blues. From being an influential figure in recent campaigns to training-ground bystander, his fall down the pecking order has been sharp.

Now, a way out is finally on the table. Aris have reached an agreement to sign the 29-year-old, with the centre-back expected to arrive in Greece shortly as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.

Ferguson’s backing for a dressing-room leader

Barry Ferguson knows Souttar up close. The former Rangers captain worked with him during his stint as interim manager and still speaks about him like a player any dressing room would be fortunate to have.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 10 September, Ferguson didn’t hold back in 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."

That is the part that jars for Ferguson. McInnes made it clear early that Souttar was not in his plans and has not involved him at all at Ibrox this season, despite the defender’s experience and presence behind the scenes. For a player with known fitness issues during his time in Glasgow, questions over durability are understandable. But Ferguson is adamant: if you can get Souttar on the pitch, you get quality and a voice that carries.

Risky call as Rangers chase domestic silverware

McInnes has already been reminded how unforgiving this season will be. Rangers are out of Europe and the margin for error in domestic competitions has shrunk overnight. Trophies are now non-negotiable.

The first real test comes quickly. Ibrox will host Celtic in the quarter-final of the Premier Sports Cup on 13 September, a tie that can set the tone for the entire campaign. That is the kind of night where an experienced, battle-hardened centre-half is worth his weight in gold.

Instead, McInnes goes into the season relying on a slim core of central defenders: Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya and Ben Godfrey. Three players, three competitions, and a long Scottish campaign ahead. One injury, one suspension, and the balance at the back starts to look fragile.

Souttar, once seen as a “chosen one” at Ibrox and now heading for Aris, could have been part of that armoury. Instead, he will try to rebuild his career in Greece while Rangers press on without him, gambling that their trimmed defensive options will hold under the strain of a season where failure is not an option.