Chris Jack gives verdict on John Souttar’s reported Hearts loan move

John Souttar remains a Rangers player with the Scottish transfer deadline fast approaching, despite being told earlier in the summer that he was free to look for a new club.

Derek McInnes made it clear during pre-season that the Scotland international was not part of his plans, but a permanent exit has yet to materialise. The 29-year-old is still at Ibrox and his next move remains uncertain.

Recent speculation has suggested that Souttar could return to Hearts on loan. The centre-back spent several seasons with the Edinburgh club before joining Rangers in 2022, making a temporary return a possibility worth monitoring.

Leicester City were also previously linked with Souttar, although that interest did not result in a transfer. With the English window already closed, the defender has fewer opportunities to secure a move south of the border.

Rangers journalist Chris Jack has admitted that Souttar’s continued presence at Ibrox is surprising given how strongly it appeared earlier in the summer that the player would leave.

Speaking to Rangers Review, Jack explained that Souttar had already been left out of Rangers’ travelling squad during pre-season because of transfer interest, creating the expectation that his departure would happen quickly.

“This is a strange one for me,” Jack said.

“On the day that we had access to the squad in pre-season, we were told that Souttar had been omitted from the travelling party due to transfer interest. It sounded at that stage like it would be done and dusted relatively quickly. That was a long time ago, though.

“We have reported on various bits of interest over the course of the window, but the options have whittled away while Souttar has been out of the first team picture.

“We understand there is still interest in some of the fringe members of McInnes’ squad.”

With the available options continuing to disappear, Souttar could now find himself staying at Rangers despite being considered surplus to requirements.

Ironically, that could potentially work in McInnes’ favour.

The Rangers boss has yet to rely heavily on Souttar, but defensive injuries and a lack of depth could make the Scotland international a useful squad option as the season progresses.

Emmanuel Fernandez has endured a difficult start to his Rangers career, while Ben Godfrey has not had much regular football in recent seasons. Olwethu Makhanya is another natural centre-back available to McInnes, leaving Souttar as an experienced alternative.

Godfrey has already suffered an injury since arriving at Ibrox, potentially making Rangers’ decision on Souttar even more significant.

Although McInnes appeared ready to move the defender on earlier in the summer, keeping him at Rangers until January could ultimately prove to be a useful solution if injuries and squad depth become an issue.