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Chelsea have now reportedly launched their first move to re-sign Antonio Rudiger in what would be a sensational return for the experienced central defender.

It’s no real surprise that the Blues have set their sights on more experience. As impressive as their young squad is, it is still exactly that – young. Enzo Maresca has already suffered the consequences of an inexperienced side at times this season, with Chelsea too inconsistent to seriously challenge for the Premier League title but good enough to secure a top four place.

Against Wolverhampton Wanderers, that quality was on full show as goals from Malo Gusto, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto wrapped up a comfortable 3-0 defeat. In the same week, however, Chelsea drew 2-2 with Qarabag in a game they should have comfortably won – highlighting their inconsistencies once again.

The addition of a serial, experienced winner could be the missing piece to the puzzle – particularly within Maresca’s backline. The Blues have suffered a number of injuries and suspensions within their back four this season, leaving Maresca with little choice but to come up with internal solutions.

Against Qarabag, 19-year-old Jorrel Hato especially struggled, begging the question as to whether he’s ready to be thrown into the current Chelsea side. Maresca defended his decision to rotate in midweek, but admitted that young players need the chance to make mistakes.

The Italian told reporters: “They are talented, they are young. When they are young you have to give them chance to make mistakes.”

Still, the question of experience will remain and as Rudiger’s contract continues to tick down at Real Madrid, the Blues could have the ultimate solution to their problems lying in wait.

Rudiger makes Real Madrid decision as Chelsea come calling

According to reports in Spain, Chelsea have now made contact with Rudiger over a return to the club in 2026 when he’s set to become a free agent at the end of his Real Madrid contract.

Alas, whilst Rudiger does love the West London club, his preference is to extend with Real Madrid and stay put. Leaving the ball in the Spanish side’s court, the German has less than nine months to get his wish.

If that contract doesn’t arrive, then Chelsea should come swooping in. Rudiger is a two-time Champions League winner these days and one of the most experienced defenders around at 32 years old. He’s led the Blues before and would comfortably do it again.

Chelsea star criticised vs Wolves after having fewer touches than Sanchez

The summer signing endured a tough time against the Old Gold.

1 ByJames O'Reilly Nov 8, 2025

Having previously written in the Players’ Tribune that Chelsea will always be “in his heart”, a return to Stamford Bridge could be the perfect way for Rudiger to close out an excellent career.

Whether Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso will let him leave that easily is another question, though. The Spaniard previously reiterated that the German is “very reliable” and losing that for the cost of nothing next summer is something that the La Liga giants should want to avoid.

Chelsea "actively in talks" over signing "very mature" England international

Athletic Club star Nico Williams scored a magnificent goal to hand his side a slender win over Real Oviedo in La Liga. The goal has brought Williams back into the limelight, ending a long goal drought that resulted in him being questioned in the wake of the failed summer transfer to reigning Spanish champions Barcelona.

Athletic get the better of Oviedo

After three successive losses to Getafe, Real Sociedad, and Newcastle United across La Liga and the Champions League, Athletic are back on track with a 1-0 win over Oviedo on Sunday. It was their young, dynamic winger Williams who salvaged the solitary goal of the fixture, adding his second of the campaign to lead his team's triumph. 

AdvertisementWilliams ends goal drought

The last time Williams scored or assisted for Athletic was in their first La Liga game of the season – a 3-2 win against Sevilla. The 22-year-old missed a handful of matches due to a groin injury, failed to find the net since his return until he sparked into life against Oviedo. Williams was sharp as he went past three defenders and powered his shot into the goal, rattling the crossbar and the net in the process. 

Williams was once a Barcelona target

Not for one transfer window, but Williams was a top target for Barcelona across two summers. Before this season kicked off, he was almost set to travel to Catalonia after agreeing on personal terms and a six-year contract with Barca, a club that he has admired for a long time. However, Athletic were continuously hesitant to let go of their most promising young talent. Such was the rivalry that there were moments when administrators aimed to block the move. Ultimately, the move came to a surprising halt as Barcelona refused to grant a demand from his agent and the Spain international ended up signing a 10-year contract with the Basque side.

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Williams?

Williams has found his foot just at the right time. After Athletic return from the international break, their first game will be against Barca. It will be the first time the two sides meet since Williams snubbed the Catalans and agreed to the Basque club's terms. The game will be played on November 22.

Leeds United picked up a crucial win on Wednesday night, as they beat Chelsea 3-1 to go outside of the relegation zone. With 14 points to their name in as many games, it has certainly been a struggle for Daniel Farke’s side this season.

However, they are in good form. Of course, they beat the Blues this week at Elland Road, and last Saturday were unlucky to drop points away to Manchester City.

Only a goal in the 92nd minute from Phil Foden could sink Farke’s team, who were close to the ideal week in their relegation fight.

Indeed, there have been some standout players over the past few days for the West Yorkshire side.

Leeds’ best players in their last two games

It is hard to pinpoint just a couple of players who have excelled for Farke’s side against two of the Premier League’s title challengers, with the whole squad impressing. However, one player who shone was defender Jayden Bogle.

Against City, he played as a right-back, and won 100% of his tackles and three ground duels coming up against Jeremy Doku. On Wednesday, he had more of an advanced role and made great use of it.

Operating as a wing-back on the right flank, Bogle assisted Ao Tanaka, who made it 2-0 to Leeds on the stroke of half-time.

Another standout from the impressive performances this week was summer signing Lukas Nmecha. The German striker has been in good form this term and added to his goal tally at the Etihad Stadium last weekend. He’s now bagged four times in the top flight this season.

Whilst he didn’t find the back of the net against the Blues, Nmecha still made a real nuisance of himself for the Chelsea backline.

The German was not the only Leeds attacker who stood out in the last week.

From "Bang average" to undroppable

The Whites are not short of attacking options after a busy summer. They already had the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Joel Piroe and Wilfried Gnoto, three of the players at Farke’s disposal, who all played a big role in their promotion.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Nmecha was brought in to add to that depth, as was Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The former Everton star made the move to West Yorkshire upon the expiry of his contract on Merseyside. It was a tough start to life at Leeds, though.

The 28-year-old did not exactly set the world alight with his start in a Leeds shirt. He’d only managed one goal in his first ten Premier League games, and that was away to bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It meant the England international had to face some criticism for the lack of form in front of goal.

Earlier in the campaign, defender-turned-pundit Michael Dawson said on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday he was looking “bang average”, following the defeat to Fulham.

However, that form has recently taken a huge upturn. In what have arguably been his side’s two toughest games so far this season, Calvert-Lewin got himself on the scoresheet against both City and Chelsea.

It wasn’t just his goals that made these performances impressive, but the manner in which he played. He was a handful off the ball, winning 15 duels on Wednesday night, and six at the weekend.

He won three fouls in each game, too, making an impact despite having minimal touches.

Touches

15

35

Shots

1

3

Duels won

6

15

Fouls won

3 (1 penalty)

3

Goals

1

1

His performances were enough to earn him a pair of 9/10 ratings from journalist Graham Smyth. Against the Citizens, he praised Calvert-Lewin for the fact that he ‘gave Leeds much more presence’ and said he ‘brought others into play’ superbly against the West Londoners.

With two goals in as many games and some good centre-forward performances outside of that, it is easy to see why Calvert-Lewin could be considered undroppable for Leeds. After a tough start, it seems like he has finally begun to show his best form.

It does seem unlikely that Farke will omit the striker from his starting XI ahead of the game against Liverpool on Saturday. Instead, he will be hoping he provide further troubles for Virgil van Dijk and the rest of the Reds’ defenders.

If Calvert-Lewin can replicate such a performance again, it will go a long way to helping Leeds achieve their goal of Premier League survival.

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ByJoe Nuttall Dec 4, 2025

After India A posted 413, they dismissed Australia A for 242 in 33.1 overs

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Oct-2025
Hundreds from opener Priyansh Arya and captain Shreyas Iyer set up India A’s demolition of Australia A in the first unofficial ODI in Kanpur on Wednesday. After rain allowed no play on Tuesday, the weather cleared for the series to get underway on the reserve day.After being asked to bat, India A posted 413 for 6 on the back of Arya’s 101 and Iyer’s 110. In response, Australia A were dismissed for 242 in 33.1 overs.Each of India’s top six had a strike rate of over 100, and five of their top six scored at least 50. Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, who had combined powerfully for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025, were reunited at the top for India A, putting on 135 for the opening stand in 20.3 overs. Iyer then took charge of the innings, hitting 12 fours and four sixes in his first List A match since the Champions Trophy in March earlier this year.Related

• Iyer to lead India A in one-dayers against Australia A

• BCCI okays Shreyas Iyer's request for six-month break from red-ball cricket

• After years in Chennai heat, Gurjapneet Singh is now in India A spotlight

Rajat Patidar was originally named captain for the 50-over series against Australia A but Iyer replaced him, with Patidar taking charge of the Rest of India side in the ongoing Irani Cup in Nagpur. Iyer is on a break from red-ball cricket due to concerns about his back, but continues to be available for white-ball cricket.Riyan Parag (67) and Ayush Badoni (50) also hit half-centuries to propel India A to a mammoth total. Iyer’s dismissal in the 47th over left India A at 380 for 4, but Badoni and allrounder Nishant Sindhu took them past 400.Australia A used seven bowlers, with only Liam Scott going at less than seven an over.Chasing 414, Australia A had a good start: they were 116 for 1 in the 13th over, but Cooper Connolly’s wicket triggered a slide. They lost their last nine wickets for 126 and left almost 17 overs unused in their chase.Opener McKenzie Harvey top-scored for the visitors with 68 off 62 balls while captain Sutherland made 50 off 33 balls. Spinners Sindhu, Bishnoi and Badoni shared seven wickets among them.Gurjapneet Singh, who was making his List A debut, having been fast-tracked into the India A side, came away with 1 for 40 in five overs.India A will be bolstered by the arrival of Asia Cup hero Tilak Varma for the remaining two one-dayers.

Como and Switzerland star Alisha Lehmann named a Chelsea star as the toughest-ever opponent she has contested against, while also revealing whether she would rather win the World Cup with the Switzerland national team or the Ballon d'Or. Lehmann left Aston Villa for Italy to join Juventus in the summer of 2024 after spending six years in England and joined Como in the summer.

• Lehmann's journey in the WSL and Serie A

  Lehmann came to England at the age of 19 after making her professional debut at Swiss club BSC YB Frauen. In the WSL, the then-teenager signed for West Ham United and spent three seasons at the club. In between, she was briefly sent out on loan to Everton in 2021. With the Hammers, Lehmann finished as a runner-up in the Women's FA Cup in the 2018-19 campaign

  The Swiss forward then signed for Aston Villa and spent the next three seasons before finally moving away from England and heading to Italy. While personally Lehmann did not have a great season and remained sidelined for quite some time with injuries, as a team, Juventus won the league title – marking the first major trophy of her career. After spending only a season with the Italian giants, the 26-year-old signed for Como on a three-year deal 

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Lehmann picks her favourite opponent

  In a chat with Dillon Deluxe, Lehmann was asked to pick the toughest opponent she has ever faced, to which she said: "I think Millie Bright". She then picked former Aston Villa team-mate and ex-England star Rachel Daly as the best player she has played with.

  Finally, when asked whether she would prefer to win the World Cup with the Switzerland national team or bag the Ballon d'Or, Lehmann said: "World Cup, 100%".

• Lehmann's house in Italy burgled

  Lehmann recently shared a video on Instagram where she captured the state of her bedroom after seeing intruders rifle through her belongings, with the contents of wardrobes and cabinets being flung everywhere. The Switzerland international was not at home at the time of the incident.

  Despite the burglary, Lehmann tried to stay upbeat, as she posted the video with a sarcastic message: "Next time people rob my house, can you please clean up after, cause I’ve got OCD. As someone that likes organisation and cleanliness, the Swiss now faces confusion and mess."

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  When will Lehmann play next for Como?

  Lehmann recently featured in Como's 1-0 loss against Roma in a Serie A clash on Sunday. She will be back in action for the club on December 7, when they take on Parma. In between her playing commitments, Lehmann frequently visits England after linking up with Love Island presenter and partner of Manchester City defender Ruben Dias, Maya Jama, to become the coach of MVPs United in the UK version of Baller League.

Manchester United are looking to add to their squad in January, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed one signing the Red Devils absolutely “will” make in 2026.

Ruben Amorim will be pleased with the progress his side have made in their last batch of Premier League matches with the international break now here, given that the Red Devils have gone five games unbeaten in the top-flight.

Despite looking set for a defeat last weekend, Matthijs De Ligt’s late header against Tottenham salvaged Manchester United a draw in the capital to keep his side one point off the top four.

Intriguingly, the Red Devils now sit above Liverpool on goal difference after their heavy defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, which is a testament to their resilience despite losing three players due to injury, something Amorim was keen to point out when speaking to Match of the Day.

“It was a complicated match, especially in the end. If you look at the game the three points were there to take. I think we can be so much better to understand more what’s happening in the game,” said the United boss.

“We lacked a little bit in the final third, the quality was not perfect. We fight in every adversity. We lost Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Benjamin Sesko and we lose two goals, but we still managed to score.”

While the Slovenian appears to be the worst of the casualties, it does beg the question of where Manchester United could look to strengthen in January. With that in mind, Romano has delivered a telling update from Old Trafford.

Fabrizio Romano confirms Man Utd "will" sign midfielder

Speaking on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast, Romano has confirmed that Manchester United will “for sure” sign a midfielder next year, noting that Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher and Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller are two targets that the club could look to acquire.

Conor Gallagher in 2025/26 – all competitions

Appearances – 16

2 goals 0 assists

Angelo Stiller in 2025/26 – all competitions

Appearances – 17

1 goal 5 assists

With both midfielders excelling inside Europe’s top five leagues, it appears there could be room for movement, even if January may not be a suitable time due to the difficult nature of conducting business mid-season.

Man Utd are also eyeing a midfielder they could get a £60m discount on

Gallagher’s homegrown status would also appeal to Amorim. However, there are no certainties in football, and it appears that there is plenty of work to be done before Manchester United secure a new operator in the engine room.

Somerset produced an unlikely victory over Sussex in the Metro Bank One Day Cup at Hove, winning by 90 runs after being bowled out for a modest 243. It was their fourth victory in six matches.On a slow pitch that offered some sharp seam movement on occasions, but was far from unplayable, both sides were guilty of rash strokeplay, especially the Sussex Sharks when they lost four wicket for no runs in the course of eight deliveries.The Sharks were clear favourites at the halfway point of the match. And they reinforced their position when they reached 60 for one at the end of the first 10-over powerplay, almost twice as many as Somerset had scored (33 for 3) at the same stage of their innings. But then Sussex collapsed in a way that made their recent implosion against Lancashire, when they lost six wickets for 27 runs before winning a thrilling contest, look commonplace.From the start of the 11th over Charlie Tear flayed a wide delivery straight to cover. Next ball, Fynn Hudson-Prentice missed a straight one and was lbw. And three balls later captain John Simpson got one that cut back off the pitch and was also lbw. Tom Lammonby, who had made a three-ball duck when he had opened the Somerset innings, had bowled a three-wicket maiden.It got worse. Tom Clark, who had batted impressively, lobbed the second delivery of the 12th over to mid-on and Sussex were 60 for five. Jack Carson, heroic in the recent wins over Kent and Lancashire, hinted at another rescue act with a vigorous 35 before pulling to midwicket, and when Oli Carter was caught in the same area, to make it 128 for eight, it was realistically all over. Lammonby took five wickets for the first time in any competition.The Somerset total had looked insufficient, and they were happy to get there after being 82 for five in the 20th over. Their innings was revived by half-centuries from Josh Thomas and Finley Hill after the Rew brothers James and Thomas had both failed to build on promising starts.Somerset, who continued their rotation policy by bringing in Kian Roberts, Kasey Aldridge and Hill, made a frantic start to their innings. Archie Vaughan was caught down the leg-side first ball and Sussex missed two more chances in the first two overs. But they weren’t made to pay for their profligacy. In the third over Lammonby was caught at slip off Sean Hunt, coming back into the side in place of Bertie Foreman, and it was 21 for three in the sixth over when Lewis Goldsworthy, surprised by the bounce achieved by Hudson-Prentice, could only fend the ball off to Henry Crocombe at square-leg.Once again Somerset were looking to the Rews to pull them round. But captain James, attempting to turn Crocombe to leg, got a leading edge back to the bowler for just 29 and the same bowler jagged one back to bowl his younger brother through the gate for 30.At that stage significant recovery looked beyond an inexperienced Somerset side. But they were transformed by a sixth wicket stand of 59 between Thomas and Hill. Thomas, mixing bludgeoning blows with some sweetly timed drives – on a pitch where timing was difficult – was particularly impressive, stroking Crocombe square on the off-side to raise the hundred in the 24th over. He reached his fifty from 54 balls when he pulled Hunt for six but was caught behind in the same over. A seventh wicket stand of 67 between Hill and Roberts maintained the Somerset recovery.

Tim Ward also scored a fluent hundred as the visitors piled up their second highest Sheffield Shield total

AAP24-Nov-2025Nikhil Chaudhary became the first Indian to hit a Sheffield Shield hundred this century, helping put Tasmania in a position of utter dominance against New South Wales.Chaudhary blazed his way to 163 for Tasmania before they declared at 623 for 8 late on day three and with a lead of 232 at Sydney’s Cricket Central.Sam Konstas and Ryan Hicks then survived a tricky five overs as the Blues went to stumps at nine without loss and needing to fight to hang on for a draw.After Caleb Jewell hit 102 for Tasmania on Sunday, Tim Ward and Chaudhary both reached triple figures on Monday in the team’s second-highest Shield score.Ward was dominant through the offside against his native state for his first red-ball century of the Shield summer, but it was Chaudhary who made history.Born in Delhi and having represented Punjab in one-day cricket, Chaudhary moved to Australia in 2020. He became stuck in the country through the Covid-19 pandemic, and has since become a permanent resident while still being an Indian citizen.The spin-bowling allrounder was spotted in Queensland club cricket by Tasmania’s assistant coach James Hopes, who recommended him to Hobart for the BBL two summers ago.Chaudhary then moved to Tasmania at the start of last summer, and got his chance in the one-day cup this season. He took a five-wicket haul on Shield debut against Queensland last month, before having his way with the bat on Monday.The 29-year-old hit five sixes in his 184-ball knock, going after Tanveer Sangha late in the day.Four times Chaudhary slog-swept Sangha over the rope in the final hour of play, bringing up his 150 when he put the legspinner on the grandstand roof.A handful of Indian players have previously featured in the Shield, with former Test allrounder Rusi Surti hitting a century and taking a hat-trick for Queensland in the 1970s.Aside from Chaudhary, Ward was the other Tasmanian to impress on Monday with 119.He was dominant through the offside, regularly cover driving, and brought up his ton when he hit Sangha to the boundary.Bradley Hope also threw away the chance to join Chaudhary, Ward and Jewell as centurions, when he cut a Sangha lop hop to point.Tasmania entered the round last on the ladder, one of four teams with one win, two losses and a draw to start the season.

Tasmania 379 (Silk 104, Hope 76, Weatherald 67, Doran 66, Neser 4-75) and 317 for 7 (Chaudhary 76*, Jewell 67, Weatherald 57) drew with Queensland 612 (Labuschagne 160, Renshaw 128, Khawaja 69, Clayton 59, Chaudhary 5-108)Test aspirant Jake Weatherald posted his second fifty for the match as Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield run-fest against Queensland ended in a draw.Trailing Queensland by 233 runs after the first innings, Tasmania batted their way to safety at Allan Border Field on Tuesday. They finished on 317 for 7 in their second innings when the captains shook hands about 45 minutes before the scheduled stumps time.Related

• 'Stripped back' Labuschagne takes leap towards Ashes recall with 160

• Labuschagne dropped from Australia ODI squad, Renshaw earns call-up

• Hatcher and Hadley inspire New South Wales to victory

In-form opener Weatherald, one of many in contention to partner Usman Khawaja at the top for the start of this summer’s Ashes, followed up a 67 in the first innings with 57.Tasmania No. 4 Caleb Jewell faced 147 balls for his 67 before falling to tireless quick Michael Neser. Queensland thought they were still an outside chance of securing a win when Jewell departed which followed a brilliant catch at slip by Usman Khawaja to remove Bradley Hope.But Tasmania’s Indian-born Shield debutant Nikhil Chaudhary took them clear of being in any danger.Chaudhary, who claimed 5 for 108 as Queensland piled on 612 in their first innings, struck an unbeaten 76 from 80 balls at No. 8.The match will be remembered for centuries from Queensland Test hopefuls Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne.Renshaw, opening the batting with Khawaja, compiled 128 to enhance his chances of adding to his 14 Tests for Australia. During the day he had been confirmed for an ODI recall.Labuschagne, dropped for Australia’s most recent Tests against the West Indies in the Caribbean, compiled 160 in an important return to form.National selector George Bailey was present in Brisbane to watch Labuschagne grow in confidence after he took 12 balls to get off the mark.

After six matches in charge, Danny Röhl is already starting to figure out which members of the Rangers squad he can trust, and which he cannot.

So far, the German has won all three Premiership matches in charge, most recently demolishing Dundee 3-0 at Dens, looking to keep that streak going when bottom of the table Livingston visit Ibrox on Saturday.

However, the Gers remain rooted to the foot of the Europa League standings, yet to pick up a single point at the mid-way mark of the league phase, and were dumped out of the League Cup semi-finals by Celtic, underlining that there is still plenty of work for Röhl to do.

Having seemingly decided that one of the Light Blues’ many summer signings is not for him, should the German head coach give a “big talent” a chance to stake a claim?

Joe Rothwell's start to life at Rangers

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell has come under serious scrutiny from supporters, given the club’s expensive but underwhelming summer recruitment, with Joe Rothwell among the least popular additions.

The 30-year-old defensive midfielder arrived from Bournemouth for around £400k to plenty of excitement, with Joe Donnohue describing him as “assured, energetic and accomplished”, while Kai Watson asserted that he would be a “very smart signing” given that he’s an “excellent passer and progresser of the ball, exactly what this Rangers midfield needs”.

However, this has certainly not been the case, with the Englishman putting in numerous sluggish and slow performances during the early weeks of the season when the team were massively struggling under Russell Martin.

During August’s 1-1 draw at St Mirren, speaking on Sky Sports commentary, Neil McCann noted that Rothwell looked completely “cooked”, while Kenny Macintyre of BBC Sportsound agreed, exclaiming that “Joe Rothwell… has looked knackered in every game”.

Well, even at this early stage of his tenure, Röhl has seemingly been unimpressed, with Rothwell starting the German’s first match in charge, the 3-0 drubbing in Bergen, but not doing so again since, an unused substitute for all three Premiership matches, as well as the most recent Europa League game against Roma.

So, with Rothwell not in Röhl’s plans, Mohamed Diomandé alongside Nicolas Raskin is the first-choice midfield pairing, which is strong, but that duo cannot play every minute of every game, so should the new manager give his “big talent” an opportunity?

Rangers youngster who deserves more opportunities

A young player Rangers supporters were excited about not so long ago is Bailey Rice, but he might as well be added to Interpol’s missing persons list this season.

After jumping ship from Motherwell’s academy, he made his senior debut at Almondvale against Livingston in February 2023, thereby becoming the second-youngest player to feature for Rangers post-World War II.

Derek Ferguson

1983

Bailey Rice

2023

Tom Walsh

2012

Paul Nsio

2022

Zak Lovelace

2022

Alfie Conn

1968

Archie Stevens

2022

John Fleck

2008

Leon King

2020

Derek Johnstone

1970

Danny Stoney

2013

Alex O’Hara

1973

As the table documents, only Derek Ferguson, against Queen of the South in 1983, debuted for Rangers at a younger age but, at the age of 16 years and 137 days, Rice is the youngest player to feature for the club in a league match.

After arriving on the scene, the teenager started to see regular minutes under Philippe Clement and then Barry Ferguson during the second half of last season, introduced at half time against Manchester United at Old Trafford, before starting the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club, albeit his big night was curtailed early due to a nasty head injury sustained during a collision with striker Maroan Sannadi.

At that point, he was earning rave reviews, with former Rangers right-back Alan Hutton, speaking on Premier Sports, stating that the youngster was “more than capable” of establishing himself in the first team, adding that he’s “ready for the next step”.

However, this season, since starting a League Cup tie against third-tier Alloa Athletic in August, hooked at half time, Rice has not been seen, an unused substitute for all four Europa League matches, with 12-man benches allowed by UEFA, but yet to feature in a Premiership matchday squad.

The Rangers Journal believe that Rice’s contractual situation is to blame, given that he will be a free agent next summer, hence why the club don’t want to invest time into him, but this isn’t going to convince him to sign a new contract, thereby leaving the player at a crossroads.

Thus, it appears as though the teenager will depart Ibrox next June, but there is still time to salvage his Rangers career, if Röhl is able to prove there is a pathway for him into the first time.

With senior defensive midfield options continuing to fail to impress, namely Rothwell, Rice certainly deserves an opportunity to showcase his obvious talent, bringing to an end this stand-off that is not benefiting anyone.

Well, Blair Malloy has reported on Friday that Rice is currently injured, so his return will have to wait a little while, but he should be seen donning a light blue jersey again soon.

Thelwell can upgrade on Souttar by signing £8m defender for Rangers

With Danny Röhl in need of defensive reinforcements, could Rangers sign an “aggressive” £8m-valued star better than John Souttar and Nasser Djiga?

ByBen Gray Nov 20, 2025