Nottingham Forest Join the Race for Bailey Rice
Nottingham Forest have joined a growing list of clubs showing interest in Rangers’ young midfielder Bailey Rice. The 19-year-old is set to be out of contract this summer and is expected to leave Ibrox unless a new deal is reached.
According to reports, Bundesliga side Schalke has already made an initial offer for the Scotland U21 international. In addition, Ajax are also among the clubs interested in securing his signature. Despite these developments, Rangers have initiated discussions about keeping Rice at the club, as they are reluctant to lose one of their promising talents.
Rice joined Rangers from Motherwell in 2022, and his potential has caught the attention of scouts from several top-tier clubs. His early career has been marked by significant milestones, including becoming the youngest post-War player to appear for the club in the league. He achieved this feat at just 16 years and 137 days old when he made his debut against Livingston in 2023.
However, Rice’s progress has been affected by a knee injury that he sustained earlier in the season, which required surgery. Fortunately, he has since returned to training with Danny Rohl’s first team squad, marking a positive step in his recovery.
Other clubs, such as Aston Villa, Sunderland, and West Brom, have also been closely monitoring the situation surrounding Rice. These teams are reportedly assessing the potential of the left-footed defensive midfielder.
Barry Ferguson, a former Rangers manager and midfielder, recently urged the club to secure a new contract for Rice. However, the appeal of new challenges both across the border and abroad may prove difficult for Rangers to resist.
Despite the uncertainty, Rice remains a highly sought-after talent in European football. His combination of technical ability, tactical awareness, and youth make him an attractive prospect for any club looking to strengthen its midfield department.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the race for Rice’s signature is likely to intensify. Clubs from different leagues and countries are vying for his services, which could lead to a high-profile move for the young Scottish player.
The decision on where Rice will end up next will depend on several factors, including his personal ambitions, the offers he receives, and the willingness of Rangers to keep him at the club. For now, all eyes are on the potential developments surrounding this exciting young talent.
