Rangers Keep Bailey Rice as Leeds, Ajax Show Interest

Rangers have convinced 19‑year‑old midfielder Bailey Rice to sign a new contract, rejecting offers from Leeds United, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Ajax and Schalke 04, according to a Daily Record report. The teenager, out of contract this summer, will stay at Ibrox and is expected to feature in Derek McInnes’s first‑team plans.

Danny Rohl, who failed to conquer silverware at Rangers, persuaded the 19‑year‑old to pen the new deal. Rohl left the club for RB Salzburg, taking the contract extension as a parting gift.

Rice rose through Motherwell’s academy before rejecting a professional contract from the Steelmen. He joined Rangers four years ago and earned regular status from interim boss Barry Ferguson at the back end of the 2024‑25 season.

A photo from 23 January 2025 shows Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United controlling the ball under pressure from Rice during a UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase match at Old Trafford. The image was captured by Carl Recine for Getty Images.

A severe knee injury subsequently ruled Rice out for the entire 2025‑26 campaign. Rangers, after months of uncertainty, now expect him to play a key role under McInnes.

In Rohl’s 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, Nicolas Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani formed the preferred double‑pivot in midfield. McInnes prefers a traditional 4‑4‑2, with Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron also available in the centre. While Raskin is linked with Serie A side Atalanta, Rice is seen as a number 6 or deep‑lying playmaker and could be loaned to Kilmarnock, echoing the Findlay Curtis deal earlier this year.

Regardless of external interest, Rice’s commitment to Ibrox positions him as a central figure in Rangers’ upcoming plans.