John Souttar’s path to the exit has begun to clear, with Leicester City emerging as the leading contender to sign the Rangers centre-back this summer.
The 27-year-old defender is understood to be surplus to requirements at Ibrox ahead of the 2026–27 campaign, with multiple sources indicating serious interest from the King Power Stadium. Leicester City, managed by Russell Martin—who oversaw Souttar’s development at Rangers in previous seasons—has positioned itself at the front of the queue to secure the defender’s signature.
The Martin Factor
Russell Martin’s arrival as Leicester manager has transformed the pursuit significantly. The Scottish manager, who previously managed Rangers, brings established credibility with Souttar and a clear tactical understanding of how to deploy the 27-year-old in the Premier League. The reunion would also see Souttar link up again with his brother Harry, who joined Leicester from Stoke City for £15 million in January 2023.
Multiple sources close to the situation suggest that Martin’s personal intervention and Leicester’s Premier League profile give them a tangible advantage over domestic alternatives. The club’s projected fee is expected to be in excess of £10 million, though final negotiations remain ongoing. Souttar has three years remaining on his Rangers contract, providing the Ibrox board with a reasonable negotiating position.
The move aligns with Leicester’s defensive reinforcement goals heading into Martin’s second season in charge. Souttar’s experience across 85 Rangers appearances and his Premier League-ready profile make him an attractive proposition for a club rebuilding its defensive architecture.
