Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Rangers already securing John Souttar from Hearts on a free transfer is a ‘very astute’ piece of business.
Rangers currently sit second in the league and are six points off the top, with their Old Firm rivals firmly in the driver’s seat as we head into the dying embers of the season. However, the Gers did beat them in Sunday’s derby, which saw them progress into the final of the Scottish Cup.
With the somewhat disappointing league display for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side, it could be likely that there will be a lot of business done in the summer, and Rangers started their business when they signed John Souttar on a pre-contract agreement from Hearts in January.
O’Rourke highlighted to GiveMeSport what he thought of the deal and how else Van Bronckhorst will be looking to improve the squad in the summer.
He said: “They already have John Souttar coming in on a free transfer from Hearts, which looks a very astute piece of business.
“Van Bronckhorst obviously came in at a difficult time, when Gerrard left midway through the season. He’s had one transfer window in January, when he brought in the likes of Amad Diallo and Aaron Ramsey. There wasn’t much money spent there at Rangers, although I’m sure those deals cost a few quid because of loan fees and everything else.
“He’ll be hoping to get the backing of the board in the summer transfer window to try and rebuild this team and have it in his own shape rather than Steven Gerrard’s players.”
TIF Thoughts on Pete O’Rourke’s comments…
Souttar has been a mainstay in the Hearts side this campaign, featuring 26 times in the Scottish Premiership, so securing his services on a free transfer could be seen as a great bit of business by Van Bronckhorst.
This season for Rangers could still be saved as they are in the semi-finals of the Europa League and the final of the SFA Cup, but if Van Bronckhorst fails to bring home any silverware, there could be pressure on him to produce the goods next season.