Aston Villa have been placed on high alert after Rangers failed to secure the future of one of Scotland's most promising young midfielders, setting the stage for a potential free transfer coup next summer.
Contract stalemate at Ibrox
Rangers have been unable to agree a new contract with 19-year-old Scotland Under-21 international Bailey Rice, meaning he will be free to depart Ibrox at the end of the 2025/26 season without a transfer fee. This situation allows the defensive midfielder to begin formal discussions with clubs outside of Scotland from 1 January 2026.
Rice, who stands at 6ft 1in, made history as the youngest post-war league player for Rangers when he debuted against Livingston at just 16 years and 137 days old in 2023. Since then, he has made 15 first-team appearances across all competitions for the Glasgow club.
Villa face competition for signature
According to reports, Villa's recruitment team have already made enquiries about Rice's availability. However, they are not alone in their interest. Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion, and Cardiff City are also monitoring the teenager's contract situation closely.
The Mail reports that both West Brom and Cardiff have indicated a willingness to table pre-contract offers in the New Year. Rice's pedigree is well-established; he initially emerged from Motherwell's academy, where his performances attracted attention from Premier League giants Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion before he chose to join Rangers.
Villa hold significant advantage
Despite the competition, Aston Villa and manager Unai Emery may hold a decisive card in the pursuit of Rice. The Birmingham club can offer the immediate attraction of Premier League football and the strong possibility of European competition, a compelling proposition for any ambitious young player.
Rice's impending exit represents another blow to Rangers' academy production line. The club has already seen several young talents depart this year, including Oliver Goodbrand and Alfie Hutchison to Newcastle United, while Arsenal secured winger Archie Stevens.
For Villa, securing a player of Rice's potential on a free transfer would be considered astute business, aligning with a strategy of identifying and developing young talent capable of thriving at the highest level.
