Rangers defender John Souttar has hit a late financial stumbling block that threatens to derail his proposed move to Greek side Aris Thessaloniki ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
Aris previously agreed a €1.2 million deal to sign the 29-year-old centre-back on a three-year contract. However, the proposed switch stalled over a significant six-figure contract payoff the Scotland international is demanding to leave Ibrox.
Rangers are refusing to fund the settlement, placing the move in jeopardy. An Aris spokesperson outlined the complication to the Daily Record. “While we had found everything, the footballer has financial issues with Rangers,” the spokesperson confirmed. “After negotiations, they did not find an agreement in the end, so everything indicates that he will remain with the Scottish team.”
Future Under Derek McInnes
Manager Derek McInnes excluded the defender from his summer plans and explicitly told him he had no long-term future in Glasgow, underlining the ruthless nature of his squad overhaul.
McInnes addressed the defensive surplus earlier this week in an interview with the Rangers Review. “I don’t want to speculate too much, but there are one or two options he’s keen on that seem to be gathering traction. For him, going somewhere and playing regular football might be the best option. But if nothing materialises, then of course we’ll honour his contract and he’ll come back into things,” McInnes said.
Aris and Souttar have until September 15 to find a resolution before the Greek transfer window closes.
