Rangers fans are starting to wonder what on earth has happened with John Souttar.
The situation regarding the Scotland international is bizarre. It’s definitely one of the weirdest things to happen since Derek McInnes took over at Rangers, and has left fans in the dark.
Let’s circle back to when John Souttar signed a new contract in February to extend to 2027. And it came with an option for 2028. He was clearly part of then-manager Danny Rohl’s plans going forward.
Reception for Souttar
This news wasn’t greeted with huge enthusiasm by Rangers fans because Souttar was having a dismal season.
It was by far his career worst, but he still got the call to go to the World Cup, albeit wasn’t used.
When Rohl was confirmed as likely leaving Rangers, Souttar arrived back post-world cup with Findlay Curtis and new signing Lawrence Shankland.
All seemed fine
Then out of the blue Leicester were linked with interest in Souttar amid new boss Russell Martin. Rohl was announced departed two days later.
Then Derek McInnes was appointed to overwhelming favour by Rangers fans – 97% approval rating, including from Ibrox Noise.
But then the most left field development. Souttar did not travel to Spain with the group and was confirmed as working on a Rangers exit.
Fast forward to today. The worst Rangers defence we’ve seen since 2012 or 2022 and Gio’s defensive crisis, and Souttar is now being heralded as a saviour by many in his absentia.
It’s funny how opinion of players changes depending on results in their absence.
But just what did happen between McInnes and Souttar which instantly cast the Scotland player out of the Ibrox picture?
We know he’s still training with the group, it’s widely known he was with the group for the open MyGers training session at Ibrox and continues to operate at Auchenhowie.
But why he’s cast out from the first team squad we have no idea.
With Rangers desperate at the back, we do not know why he and Derek McInnes seem to have had some kind of disagreement and now he’s just a pariah. We’re by no means saying he’s Franco Baresi (RIP) but he cannot be worse than the nonsense we’re currently seeing?
Answers on a postcard for this one.