New Rangers contract offer for John Souttar, but there’s a key question | OneFootball

Rangers have reportedly offered John Souttar a new contract at Ibrox, a move that shows the club’s desire to avoid losing valuable assets for free. The deal is said to run until 2028 and includes a wage rise. That makes sense on paper, but there are questions about whether he truly fits the long-term direction of this team. As Ibrox Noise highlighted, this discussion around John Souttar Rangers contract will not go away soon.

Rangers protecting their assets

Rangers have suffered for years from letting players walk away without return. From Ryan Kent to Alfredo Morelos, the club lost millions in potential fees. This time, the new management want to change that. Extending Souttar’s deal secures a Scotland international who has offered stability, if not brilliance. It also protects value, should they decide to sell him later. As Ibrox Noise previously reported, Rangers are determined to keep him beyond next summer.

There is also a financial logic behind the move. The board and 49ers ownership want to control the wage structure while retaining solid performers. Souttar fits that category. He is dependable when fit, strong in the air and capable of leading a back line. Yet even his biggest supporters admit he is not a game-changer. Ibrox Noise made clear that Souttar’s form swings between solid and shaky, leaving fans unsure what to expect next.

The performance question

Souttar’s Rangers career has been steady rather than spectacular. He has shown grit, handled pressure, and played through injuries. Fans respect that effort, but they have seen better. When comparing him to legends like David Weir or Ugo Ehiogu, the gulf in authority and dominance becomes clear. Those men defined eras with their leadership and calm. Souttar, though honest and capable, has not reached that level. As STV News reported, earlier contract talks were even paused due to internal changes at the club.

Danny Rohl trusts him enough to use him regularly when available. Yet Rangers still leak goals in key moments. That does not rest solely on Souttar, but his consistency remains under the microscope. For every strong header or clean tackle, there is still the odd lapse that costs the team. The Scotsman noted that Rangers have several players entering contract crossroads, and Souttar’s situation is part of that wider issue.

The standard Rangers must set

Rangers aim to reclaim dominance in Scotland and compete in Europe. To do that, the defensive core must be elite. Keeping Souttar makes sense only if he becomes part of a stronger rotation rather than the mainstay. It is vital the club balance loyalty with ambition. The Scottish Sun revealed that his new deal would come with a pay rise, a reward for solid service, though many fans question if he has truly earned it.

The decision to renew his contract might protect financial assets, but it also raises footballing questions. Is Souttar truly the level required for the next Rangers side? The answer depends on whether the John Souttar Rangers contract brings out his best or simply keeps him comfortable. Rangers must decide if commitment alone is enough, or if real progress demands more than dependable performances.