Rangers have secured the signing of Hearts defender John Souttar on a pre-contract agreement – and Craig Levein has praised the move.
Heading into this January transfer window, Rangers needed to sort out their centre back situation.
Two Rangers defenders are out of contract in the summer with Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun set to become free agents.
Add in Jack Simpson is out of favour and Nikola Katic away not play for Rangers again, and the Gers really needed to add new signings.
Rangers have been linked with a couple of centre backs this month, and they have now managed to snap one up – but only for next season.
Rangers have confirmed the signing of Hearts defender John Souttar, securing a pre-contract agreement with the centre back.
Out of contract at the end of the season, Souttar was able to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club.
Rangers managed to fend off interest from English clubs, with Souttar arriving at the end of the season as things stand.
The Gers could still chase a cash deal for Souttar this month, using his free summer move as leverage with Hearts.
The move has rocked Hearts; they were under the impression that Souttar didn’t want to join Rangers and would be heading to England.
Souttar pulled a U-turn and picked a move to Ibrox, taking his big move after recovering from three achilles tears.
Former Hearts and Dundee United man Craig Levein has now shared his thoughts on the move having worked with Souttar in the past.
Levein has told The Scottish Sun that Rangers signing Souttar for free is the ‘steal of the century’, praising Souttar’s ability.
Levein thinks Souttar has made the right decision, taking a big move after his injury hell to give himself a chance at silverware – something he may not have had with Hearts.
“It’s the steal of the century,” said Levein. “But I don’t think anyone can blame John for making this decision given everything he’s been through. I had similar injury problems so I completely understand his decision to take this opportunity to secure the future for him and his family.”
“Yes, I am a Hearts supporter and a big part of me would have loved it had he stayed at the club. But when you’ve had the types of injuries he’s had you don’t know when the curtain will come down. In a way I’m glad he’s gone to Rangers too from the point of view that he’ll have the chance to win some trophies. That’s something I never managed in my career.”
“I’ve had a couple of conversations with him and it was definitely a big decision for him to make. But I think he’s made the right one,” he added.
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