With Bailey Rice currently in contract negotiations with Rangers, the club can use the Findlay Curtis blueprint to convince the midfielder to remain at Ibrox.
The 19-year-old has been the subject of speculation, with Ajax and Schalke said to be among the clubs interested in his services.
The former Motherwell youth played just one first-team game across the 2025/26 campaign, and that weakness can be used to advance Rangers’ powers of persuasion.
What happens next with Bailey Rice
It’s clear that Bailey Rice needs to play regular football.
His career and progress have stalled due to insufficient time on the pitch.
One outing, and not a full game, against Alloa is all that he has to show for the season just ended, even if it was curtailed by injury.
With the player’s existing contract due to expire next week, his sole priority should be to pursue the best option that allows him to play and develop.
The prospect of a move to England, Germany or the Netherlands is tempting, but does he have the base required to push on right now?
Findlay Curtis blueprint
Rangers should be using Rice’s frustration to their advantage.
The player must be convinced that following the example of Findlay Curtis is the best option for his career.
Whether that means Rice going to Kilmarnock or elsewhere in the Scottish Premiership, the benefits are obvious.
He stays at home, he knows the league and the environment, with the incentive of a quick return to Ibrox if all goes well.
Six months with a view to spending the full season on loan? A one or two-year contract?
Curtis’ progress was enough to book his place in Scotland’s World Cup squad and a positive outcome can also lie in store for Bailey Rice.
‘Follow the blueprint’ was the message sent by Chris Jack of the Rangers Review, in conversation with his colleague Blair Malloy.
Given the urgency of the situation, we should find out the decision made by Bailey Rice imminently, but the fact he is in negotiations with the club at this stage suggests that there is common ground.
