Alious‘Don’t Sell to Rangers’: Sky Pundit Warns Leicester Over Coady Transfer as Star Linked with Ibrox Move Amid EFL Turmoil – Souttar Eyes Return for Panathinaikos Clash
Rangers’ interest in veteran defender Conor Coady has drawn strong opinions from pundits, with former England midfielder and Sky Sports analyst Lee Hendrie advising Leicester City to resist selling the experienced centre-back to the Scottish giants this summer.
Coady, who earned 10 caps for England and previously captained Wolverhampton Wanderers, is facing an uncertain future at Leicester City following their relegation to the Championship. With just one year left on his current contract and only 19 starts under his belt last season, the 32-year-old could be tempted by the opportunity for more consistent first-team football — especially under a manager like Rangers’ Russell Martin, who values experienced, ball-playing defenders in his high-possession tactical setup.
Adding another layer to the speculation is Coady’s past connection with Rangers’ sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who previously worked with him during his loan spell at Everton in the 2022–23 season.
Despite the mutual fit, Hendrie has urged Leicester to hang on to the defender. With the club embroiled in financial uncertainty — including the looming threat of a points deduction due to alleged violations of the English Football League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules — his experience could prove vital as the Foxes look to secure a swift return to the Premier League.
“I could definitely see him fitting in at Rangers,” Hendrie told *Football League World*. “He still has so much to offer, especially with his experience and leadership. But if I’m looking at it from Leicester’s perspective, he’s someone I’d be fighting to keep — especially in the Championship, where that kind of know-how is crucial. He’s got more mileage left in him.”
Hendrie also acknowledged the allure of a move to Rangers for Coady, suggesting the link would no doubt be tempting for the player. However, he maintained that Leicester would be making a mistake by letting him leave now.
**Injury Update: Souttar Making Progress**
Meanwhile, Rangers have received a promising update on John Souttar’s fitness. The Scotland international recently underwent surgery to fix a hernia issue, which he had delayed to participate in friendly fixtures for his country. With the Champions League qualifying tie against Panathinaikos set for July 22, Souttar is now in a race to be fit in time.
According to *The Daily Record*, the defender has already begun light jogging as part of his rehab and is optimistic about returning to action in time for the crucial European fixture. His comeback would be a significant boost to Rangers’ backline as they prepare for one of their most important early-season tests.
With transfer intrigue surrounding Coady and fitness updates on Souttar, Rangers’ defensive plans for the summer are shaping up to be as eventful as they are critical.
Alious
