McInnes has no place for ‘unbelievable’ Rangers player, exit likely this summer.

McInnes Continues Major Overhaul at Ibrox

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has reportedly decided that defender John Souttar does not feature in his plans for the upcoming campaign, with the Scotland international now expected to leave Ibrox before the summer transfer window closes.

The decision represents another significant step in McInnes’ rebuilding project following his arrival as Rangers boss. Since taking charge, the new manager has already overseen a number of changes to the playing squad as he attempts to create a team capable of competing for major honours.

Rangers have been among the busiest clubs in the transfer market this summer, completing several high-profile additions as McInnes stamps his authority on the squad.

Rangers Active in the Transfer Market

The Glasgow giants have already welcomed six new signings ahead of the new season.

Experienced striker Lawrence Shankland has arrived to strengthen the attack, while defender Ben Godfrey has been recruited to reinforce the back line. Midfielder Cammy Devlin has also joined the club, alongside Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil, and goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.

Those additions reflect McInnes’ determination to reshape several areas of the squad rather than making only minor adjustments.

The Rangers manager replaced Danny Rohl after the German coach opted to leave Ibrox for Austrian side RB Salzburg, and he has wasted little time implementing his own vision for the club.

Recruitment has moved quickly, but departures are also becoming an important part of Rangers’ summer plans.

Souttar Left Out of Pre-Season Plans

According to reports, McInnes has informed John Souttar that he will not be part of the club’s plans for the coming season.

The experienced defender has reportedly been left behind as Rangers travel to Spain for their pre-season training camp, a decision widely viewed as a clear indication that his future lies away from Ibrox.

Being excluded from such an important stage of pre-season preparation usually signals that a player is available for transfer, and Rangers are now believed to be actively working towards finding Souttar a new club.

The decision comes despite the defender still being under contract and having previously been viewed as an important member of the squad.

Contract Extension Has Not Changed His Situation

Souttar’s expected departure may surprise many supporters because he only signed a new contract earlier this year.

The Scotland international agreed fresh terms in February that extended his stay with Rangers until 2027, seemingly committing his future to the club.

However, managerial changes often lead to different priorities, and McInnes appears to have reached the conclusion that Souttar does not fit the style or structure he wants to build.

As a result, Rangers are now prepared to part ways with the 29-year-old despite the length of time remaining on his contract.

The situation demonstrates how quickly circumstances can change following the appointment of a new manager with different tactical ideas and recruitment priorities.

Scotland Defender Still Highly Regarded

Although his Rangers future appears uncertain, Souttar continues to command respect within the game.

Liverpool captain Andy Robertson has previously described the central defender as “unbelievable,” highlighting the qualities that have made him a regular member of the Scotland national team in recent years.

Souttar was included in Scotland’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, although he struggled for regular playing time during the tournament.

His limited involvement meant he returned to Rangers’ training base earlier than several of his international teammates, giving him an opportunity to impress McInnes during the early stages of pre-season.

Despite those efforts, the new manager has reportedly decided that the defender will not play a major role moving forward.

Championship Clubs Monitoring Situation

With Rangers actively looking to move Souttar on, interest has already emerged from clubs south of the border.

Several Championship sides are reportedly monitoring the experienced defender’s situation and could consider making offers before the transfer window closes.

His experience in Scottish football, combined with his international pedigree, makes him an attractive option for clubs seeking defensive leadership and reliability.

However, Rangers are understood to recognise that they are unlikely to receive a substantial transfer fee.

Instead of holding out for a large financial return, the club’s priority is reportedly completing a swift transfer that benefits both parties.

Moving Souttar on quickly would allow Rangers to avoid unnecessary distractions during pre-season while giving the player sufficient time to settle at his next club.

Defensive Reshuffle Already Underway

McInnes has already begun reshaping his defensive options this summer.

Former England international Ben Godfrey has been signed with the expectation that he will form a central defensive partnership alongside Emmanuel Fernandez.

That pairing appears set to become the first-choice combination at the heart of Rangers’ defence.

Nevertheless, Souttar’s departure would reduce the squad’s overall depth in central defence, meaning further recruitment is expected before the transfer window closes.

The club are believed to be actively searching for another centre-back capable of providing quality competition and additional cover throughout the season.

Left-Footed Defender a Priority

Reports suggest Rangers have identified a specific profile for their next defensive signing.

McInnes is believed to prefer bringing in a naturally left-footed central defender to improve balance across the back line.

A left-footed option would offer greater tactical flexibility when building attacks from defence while complementing the existing right-footed defenders already within the squad.

Although no transfer has progressed to an advanced stage, Rangers continue monitoring several possible targets as recruitment plans evolve.

Strengthening central defence remains one of the club’s priorities before competitive football begins.

McInnes Not Afraid to Make Difficult Decisions

Since arriving at Ibrox, McInnes has demonstrated a willingness to make bold and sometimes unpopular decisions regarding established members of the squad.

Many supporters believed Rangers had become too reluctant in recent years to move on experienced players whose influence had declined.

McInnes appears determined to change that culture.

Club captain James Tavernier had already left before the manager’s appointment, but further major changes have quickly followed.

Goalkeeper Jack Butland has also reportedly been deemed surplus to requirements, while Souttar now joins the growing list of senior players expected to leave.

These decisions underline McInnes’ determination to build a squad based entirely around his own football philosophy rather than relying on players inherited from previous regimes.

Clear Vision Backed by the Board

The Rangers hierarchy appear fully supportive of McInnes’ plans for the club.

The board have backed the manager throughout the transfer window, allowing him to recruit several new players while simultaneously reshaping the existing squad.

That level of support suggests everyone at the club is aligned behind a long-term vision aimed at restoring Rangers as consistent trophy challengers.

While difficult decisions regarding experienced players are rarely popular, they are often necessary when beginning a significant rebuilding project.

McInnes has shown that reputation alone will not guarantee a place in his team.

Instead, every player must fit the tactical structure and competitive standards he wants to establish.

Replacing Souttar Will Be Important

Although Rangers appear ready to move on from Souttar, replacing his experience will still represent an important challenge.

The defender has accumulated valuable experience both domestically and internationally, making him a respected figure within Scottish football.

Whoever eventually arrives to replace him will need to provide not only defensive quality but also leadership within the dressing room.

Finding the right balance between fresh talent and experienced professionals will be essential if Rangers are to compete successfully across multiple competitions this season.

Optimism Growing Ahead of the New Campaign

Despite several high-profile departures, there is increasing optimism among Rangers supporters heading into the new season.

McInnes has made it clear that he is prepared to take difficult decisions in pursuit of long-term success, and the club’s recruitment strategy suggests a clear direction is emerging.

New arrivals have strengthened several key positions, while the willingness to refresh the squad has generated renewed excitement around Ibrox.

Should Rangers successfully replace Souttar with another high-quality central defender while continuing to strengthen other areas of the squad, supporters will have every reason to believe the team can challenge strongly during the upcoming campaign.

The rebuilding process is still ongoing, but McInnes has already demonstrated that he possesses both the authority and conviction required to reshape Rangers according to his own vision.