Rangers defender John Souttar will remain at Ibrox until at least January after an unresolved financial dispute halted his proposed switch to Aris Thessaloniki.
The 29-year-old had sought a compensated release to secure his departure before the Greek deadline, with a late compromise anticipated to finalise the switch.
Derek McInnes Faces Defensive Squeeze
Souttar has not played a single minute this term and must now attempt to reclaim a place in Derek McInnes’ plans.
First-choice central defenders Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya currently anchor the backline, while Atalanta loanee Ben Godfrey serves as the primary deputy.
The deadline-day collapse concludes a prolonged saga that served as the final chance for a Greek escape. A spokesperson for Aris Thessaloniki told the Glasgow Times: “After negotiations, they did not find an agreement in the end, so everything indicates that he will remain with the Scottish team.”
Contract Honoured Amid First Team Exile
Prior to the midnight deadline, McInnes told Inside Ibrox that the centre-back possessed opportunities across Europe, but outlined the club’s stance if a departure stalled.
“But if he doesn’t move, and there isn’t anything that materialises, then of course we honour the contract, and he comes back into things,” McInnes said.
Souttar missed out on Sebastien Pocognoli’s maiden Scotland squad and must now await rotation minutes ahead of Rangers’ Premiership fixture against Celtic on Sunday.
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