Rangers Opinion: Why John Souttar will be a solid addition for the Gers?

According to a report from the Daily Record, Rangers are interested in signing Hearts defender John Souttar in the summer transfer window.

John Souttar, 22, started his career at Dundee United before moving to Hearts in 2016.

Since moving to Tynecastle, he has been a regular fixture in the team’s backline, making more than 100 appearances. The defender has made 26 appearances across all competitions this campaign, impressing in the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is keen to strengthen his central defence for next season and should go all out for John Souttar in the summer.

At the moment, Gerrard has Joe Worrall, Conor Goldson, Nikola Katic and Gareth McAuley as options in central defence. Goldson has undoubtedly been the Gers’ best defender this season but he has lacked a reliable partner in central defence.

Katic enjoyed a solid start to life at Ibrox but faded like anything which gave Worrall a chance to stake his claim. Worrall, on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest, has blown hot and cold, while McAuley has played just seven league games this campaign.

With Worrall set to return back to Nottingham Forest at the end of the season and McAuley very likely to leave the club in the summer, defensive reinforcements are a must before the 2019/20 season commences.

Adding a player like John Souttar will give Rangers’ defence a big boost next season. A talented centre-back, the 22-year-old’s ability to also play as a full-back and in a holding midfielder’s role would add more value to his name. He has decent pace and his towering frame gives the 22-year-old an advantage when it comes to winning aerial duels.

The Scotsman can pass the ball out from the back very well, whilst being a no-nonsense defender when required. He is a good reader of the game and his excellent positional awareness allow him to snuff out the danger before it becomes big.

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A good tackler, Souttar’s physicality and aerial prowess will make him an asset for Rangers on both sides of the pitch.

Verdict

If Rangers are to challenge Celtic for the title, Gerrard will need to first shore up his backline. And signing a young and talented centre-back like Souttar will go a long way in solving the Gers’ defensive fragility next campaign.