Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor has reportedly emerged as a potential suitor for Rangers defender John Souttar, whose contract at Ibrox is set to expire next summer.
The Scotland international is now in the final 12 months of his deal, meaning Rangers face the prospect of losing him on a free transfer if a new agreement isn’t reached.
According to Turkish outlet Ajansspor, Trabzonspor’s manager Fatih Tekke is looking to bolster his defensive options and views the 28-year-old Souttar as an ideal fit.
Souttar is currently recovering from hernia surgery following Scotland’s Euro 2024 friendly matches last month and has yet to feature in new Gers boss Russell Martin’s pre-season schedule, though he is back in training.
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Potential Reunion and Trabzonspor’s Squad Shake-Up
A move to Trabzonspor could see Souttar reunited with two of his former Rangers teammates, John Lundstram and Borna Barisic. Both players joined the Turkish club 12 months ago on free transfers after leaving Ibrox.
However, any reunion might be short-lived, as Trabzonspor is reportedly pushing to offload both Lundstram and Barisic this summer. Their debut campaigns in Turkey proved disappointing.
Midfielder Lundstram faced significant criticism and even calls for his contract termination from sections of the fanbase shortly after Trabzonspor’s early exit from the Conference League, losing on penalties to Swiss side St Gallen.
Croatia international Barisic endured a torrid year plagued by injuries. He made just 15 appearances before being sent on loan to La Liga side Leganes, where he suffered a severe cruciate ligament tear just ten minutes into his debut against Valencia, ending his season prematurely.
Barisic could secure a free transfer exit if a mutual agreement can be reached, though he reportedly seeks a €1.8 million upfront payment to terminate his remaining year on contract.
Lundstram, meanwhile, is under contract with Trabzonspor until 2027. While no official offers have been submitted, the report indicates that clubs in the Middle East are monitoring his situation.
Trabzonspor’s reported interest in Souttar suggests a strategic shift in their defensive recruitment, potentially signaling a new era for the club’s backline.
