Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice is poised to leave the club on a free transfer this summer, with Premier League sides Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace all pushing to sign the 19-year-old, according to an exclusive report from TEAMtalk. The Scotland youth international, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is also attracting interest from European clubs including Schalke, Stuttgart and Ajax as he decides on the next step in his career.
Rice joined Rangers from Motherwell in 2022 in a move hailed as a significant coup for the club's youth setup. Despite being regarded as one of Scotland's brightest prospects, he has made only a handful of first-team appearances over the past few seasons. Sources indicate the player has grown frustrated by a lack of consistent senior opportunities at Ibrox, prompting his decision to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.
The report states that all three English clubs have entered talks with Rice's representatives and have outlined potential pathways to first-team football. Nottingham Forest, who reached the semi-finals of a European competition this season, alongside Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, are seen as offering a platform for the young midfielder to develop in the intense environment of the Premier League. The interest from established Bundesliga sides and Ajax presents an alternative route focused on technical development within European football.
Rice's impending departure is part of a broader period of change expected at Rangers this summer. Club captain James Tavernier is also out of contract, with TEAMtalk previously reporting that Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers are monitoring the veteran defender's situation. The potential exits of both a seasoned leader and a promising academy product signal a significant transitional phase for the Scottish club.
For Rice, the move represents a critical juncture. A switch to England would test his adaptability in one of the world's most demanding leagues, while a move to the continent could offer a different style of football and a clear development plan. His decision will likely hinge on which club can provide the most convincing guarantee of first-team involvement and a structured progression plan.
