Danny Rohl's Rangers transfer priority evident as John Souttar not good enough for Scotland
Danny Rohl made his stance on John Souttar clear at Rangers in the 2025-26 campaign.
The Scotland international lost his place in the starting lineup at the Gers midway through the season, with Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga the preferred duo at the back.
As things stand, the German manager lacks depth at centre-back after the Wolves loanee and Derek Cornelius' return to their parent clubs.
One would imagine Souttar to play a key role at Ibrox next season, but considering he isn't even seen as a reliable option for Scotland, Rohl may have a clear transfer priority in defence.
The 29-year-old's dip in form and persistent fitness issues at the Glaswegian outfit should prompt Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises to spend a significant sum to shore up their backline in the summer.
John Souttar fights for Rangers career
Souttar recently signed a one-year contract extension, which will certainly give the Gers some move to manoeuvre in the upcoming transfer window.
While keeping the Scottish defender was sensible in terms of maintaining some depth at the Light Blues, he will certainly have to fight for his place under Rohl
The Glaswegian outfit will surely make more than one addition at centre-back before the 2026-27 campaign and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Souttar.
With the defender part of Steve Clarke's 2026 World Cup squad, he has an opportunity to show the Govan side he can still be pivotal to their plans with decent performances in the summer tournament, but whether he will get the chance to prove himself is an entirely different matter.
Speaking to The Sun on 7 June, former Gers defender Dave McPherson said, "A lot of people might have Souttar in as one of the first picks. But he didn’t play an awful lot for Rangers in the second half of the season.
"Clarke is unlikely to take chances on someone who is out of form or has injury problems, because if they need to come off after half an hour it can disrupt everything you’re trying to do in a game."
Andrew Cavenagh must work hard to get deal over the line at Ibrox
Sources have told Football Insider that Rangers will have to beat Portsmouth to Luke Graham's signing amid stiff competition for the Dundee centre-back's signature.
The Gers have been heavily linked with the 22-year-old defender in recent months after his impressive displays in the William Hill Premiership.
Graham, who is left-footed, may be the perfect candidate to partner Fernandez at the Light Blues and build a solid foundation at Ibrox for the coming years.
The Scottish ace has shown massive potential at Dens Park and Cavenagh should do everything in his power to ensure the Govan side can get a deal over the line for him.