Rangers are preparing for the departure of teenage midfielder Bailey Rice, who is likely to leave Ibrox this summer as his contract comes to an end. This anticipated exit concludes a tenure that exhibited great potential but fell short at the senior level. The 19-year-old was seen as a significant youth recruitment success when he joined from Motherwell in 2022. However, he has made only 16 appearances for the club, totaling fewer than 500 minutes of first-team action, a situation exacerbated by injuries that hindered his development.
Rangers Set to Lose Bailey Rice on a Free as Premier League Clubs Show Interest
A knee injury in November 2025 sidelined him for several months, but as he approaches a return to fitness this May, interest in his signature is intensifying. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown informed Football Insider that Premier League teams have been monitoring Rice since his debut, although he expressed some skepticism. He noted that while scouts focus on Scottish talent, a player who couldn’t secure a place in Rangers’ starting lineup may not be ready for the Premier League. According to him, any club signing Rice is taking a risk rather than acquiring a guaranteed asset.
Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace have all engaged in discussions, while clubs like Schalke, Stuttgart, and Ajax are also keen on bringing him to Europe. Rice is known as a composed, left-footed midfielder who excels at controlling the tempo of a match while also being versatile enough to play defensively when required.
“Of course, clubs are going to be interested in Bailey Rice. There isn’t a single club I’m aware of in the Premier League that doesn’t have scouts in Scotland watching for emerging talents. So when a player comes out of Rangers with a reputation like his, these clubs will already be familiar with him,” noted Brown. “Clubs are likely in touch with their scouts to gather information, but to be honest, I’m not convinced it will all be positive. His limited time on the pitch due to injuries raises questions about his readiness. If he hasn’t made an impact at Rangers, why would he make a difference in the Premier League?”
“When a player like him is available on a free transfer, there is always someone willing to take a gamble, but that’s exactly what it is—a gamble. There are genuine concerns, so it will be interesting to see the outcome.”
Do Rangers Losing Rice on a Free Reveal a Deeper Problem with How the Club Manages Young Talent?