Aston Villa and Sunderland both chase Rangers starlet | OneFootball

Bailey Rice Interest Builds as Premier League Clubs Circle

Scottish football is no stranger to producing technical midfielders with maturity beyond their years and Bailey Rice is rapidly becoming one of the most discussed prospects to emerge from Rangers in recent seasons. At only 19, he already carries the air of a player accustomed to top level demands, having debuted at 16 years and 137 days and featured in important fixtures across domestic and European competitions. Glasgow World outline his story clearly, charting a young career defined by early breakthroughs and recent frustrations, as Rice finds himself at a crossroads.

His progress has slowed this term under Russell Martin and now Danny Rohl, yet the talent that prompted Rangers to sign him from Motherwell in 2022 remains. Glasgow World’s report emphasises his uncertain future, noting he is entering the final seven months of his contract at Ibrox. That contractual situation has invited attention from England.

Premier League Clubs Monitor Rice

According to Football Insider, and highlighted by Glasgow World, “scouts of both Aston Villa and Sunderland are keeping close tabs on Rice as they weigh up the prospect of potential January moves. Both clubs are keen to enhance their midfield and see value in bringing Rice to the club based on the promise he has shown at a young age.” It is a line that captures the attraction for clubs seeking long term midfield depth in a physically demanding league.

For Aston Villa, competing across multiple competitions this season requires greater rotation. With uncertainty surrounding Harvey Elliott’s future after his loan from Liverpool, there could be a vacancy in Unai Emery’s midfield structure. Rice, versatile and composed, fits the mould of a midfielder who can be developed into a regular contributor. As one recruitment analyst commented privately, “He reads passing lanes with the calm of a far older player and that makes him a risk worth taking.”

Sunderland, meanwhile, continue to build around youth. Their sporting strategy values technical midfielders capable of progressing possession. Rice’s grounding in Scottish football, his Europa League experience and his international exposure at Under 21 level all add weight to their interest.

Rice’s Development Journey

Rice’s career so far has been shaped by both opportunity and timing. His earliest football education at Motherwell and his swift rise through Scotland’s youth age groups prepared him for the physical and tactical demands of senior football. His Europa League outings against Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao were particularly instructive. 

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He has played under a variety of managers already, from Barry Ferguson’s direct demands to Michael Beale’s possession structure and now Rohl’s modern pressing patterns. Such versatility is uncommon in players his age. His challenge now is to find consistent minutes, something that may not be immediately available at Rangers.

Transfer Landscape and What Comes Next

January often becomes a magnet for clubs hoping to secure undervalued young talent. Rice’s expiring contract complicates Rangers’ position, encouraging Premier League sides to test their resolve. Interest from Villa and Sunderland will not be the last, especially if Rice maintains his discipline and physical sharpness.

This frames Rice as a player ready to take another step and the admiration from England only reinforces that view. Whether he stays, departs in January or agrees a pre contract move later in the season, Bailey Rice has entered a phase where his next decision will shape his long term trajectory.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Aston Villa supporters may view Bailey Rice as a smart long term investment rather than an immediate starter. Villa’s midfield operates with clear structure and Emery values reliability, passing awareness and work rate. Rice brings those qualities and could offer rotation without significant risk. Fans will understandably question whether a 19 year old with limited Premiership minutes can influence a team chasing European qualification, but his exposure to European ties suggests he can handle demanding scenarios. For Villa fans, this would feel like an addition that strengthens the future without compromising the present.

Sunderland fans, on the other hand, may find Rice an ideal match for their recruitment philosophy. They have embraced developing young players who can grow into Premier League calibre footballers. Rice’s calm distribution and physical maturity align perfectly with that identity. Supporters might worry about competition from a club like Villa, yet they also know Sunderland provide pathways that bigger sides cannot always offer. The appeal of regular football in a team pushing for top tier promotion could be decisive. For many Sunderland fans, Rice represents ambition without abandoning realism.