Rangers Keep Hold Of Their Prized Asset Amid Interest From Top European Clubs: What’s Next For The Teenager

Rangers Keep Hold Of Their Prized Asset Amid Interest From Top European Clubs: What’s Next For The Teenager If a recent report in the  Daily Record is true, Rangers have received a significant boost in their efforts to retain Bailey Rice beyond this season. The teenager, out of contract this summer, had offers from south of the border amid rumours of interest from Leeds United, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United. Dutch giants Ajax and German outfit Schalke 04 were also keeping close tabs on his situation, but he is set to reject all the suitors and commit his future to Ibrox. The credit goes to Danny Rohl, who failed to conquer silverware but convinced the 19-year-old to pen a new deal as a parting gift to Rangers before leaving for RB Salzburg. Derek McInnes, who narrowly missed out on a historic league triumph with Hearts, has been appointed as the German’s successor, and Rice, destined to stake a claim in the gaffer’s first-team plans, must exhibit his expertise in the middle of the park. How He Flourished In The First-team Before Injury Nightmare The Scotland youth international progressed through Motherwell’s academy ranks before being roped in by the Light Blues. He rejected a professional contract from the Steelmen and plied his trade in Glasgow four years back. After sporadic senior appearances, interim boss Barry Ferguson handed him a regular status at the backend of the 2024-25 season. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United controls the ball under pressure from Bailey Rice of Rangers FC during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) Although he was on track for a breakthrough season, a severe knee injury ruled him out for the entire 2025-26 campaign. Rangers were sweating over his future for months, but their efforts have not gone in vain, and the youngster is now expected to play a key role under McInnes. Why He Holds A Bright Future At Rangers Regardless Of His Loan Exit The Gers, on paper, are well-equipped in the centre of the pitch, with Nicolas Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani being the preferred ‘double pivot’ in Rohl’s 4-2-3-1 formation. McInnes has relied on a more traditional, highly structured and compact 4-4-2, which demands physicality and a high work ethic in the centre of the pitch. Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron are also there among the midfield options. Still, they could hit a crisis in the summer, with Raskin emerging as a transfer target for Serie A giants Atalanta. Irrespective of Raskin’s future, Rice should not be viewed as a like-for-like replacement for the Belgian ace. The Scotsman is suited to a ‘number 6’ or deep-lying playmaker role and could be shipped out for regular gametime, with Kilmarnock plotting a season-long loan. This could be the best possible move for all parties involved, similar to the Findlay Curtis deal earlier this year.