Aston Villa are reportedly ready to move faster in talks for Rangers teenager Bailey Rice. They want to bring him in even though the January window just closed. According to journalist Pete O’Rourke on the Transfer Insider podcast, the 19-year-old’s contract at Ibrox runs out this summer. Right now, the Rangers do not look close to signing him to a new deal.
Aston Villa Eyeing Summer Move for Rangers Teenager Bailey Rice
Villa and West Bromwich Albion have both been watching Rice for a while. Now, Villa might take advantage of the contract standoff by setting up a pre-contract agreement. O’Rourke mentioned that a bad knee injury has kept Rice out since September 2025. This injury will likely end his season early. Still, Villa really want to bring the talented Scot down south.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, he explained: “Yeah, look, it’s a real possibility. He’s out of contract in the summer, no new deal agreed as yet at Ibrox.
“So I’m sure there are clubs in England looking at a situation, ready to bring him down on a pre-contract. Villa and West Brom have been long-term admirers of the midfielder.
“It’s a difficult one for Rangers because he’s been out injured for so long. Bailey Rice has missed the last five months with a serious knee injury.
“He might not return before the end of the season, so he could move on after that.
“Maybe those interested clubs who are looking at Rice might have some concerns over that injury.
“But he’s a very highly-rated young player, made a breakthrough a couple of seasons ago and has made 16 first-team appearances for Rangers.
“He caught the eye when he played against Man United in the Europa League last season as well. Rangers won’t want to let him leave, but they are now susceptible to that situation.”
The Verdict: A Smart Move for the Future?
Buying Bailey Rice is an interesting, if slightly risky, move for Villa. Even at 19, Rice has played for Scotland’s Under-21s and has also played in Europe. In those games, he looked much calmer and more mature than most players his age. However, his knee surgery late last year has made things a bit more complicated.
The big question for Villa’s scouts is whether Rice’s talent is worth the worry over his recent injuries. Since Villa’s midfield is already packed with experienced international players, Rice would not be expected to start right away. Instead, he would probably join the youth team or go out on loan to get his fitness back.
From a money perspective, the move is a no-brainer. Cross-border rules allow Villa to land a top young prospect for a very small fee. This puts the Rangers in a tough spot. They might lose a player they developed for almost nothing, and they cannot stop him from talking to teams outside of Scotland.
On the pitch, Rice is exactly the kind of player Villa like. He is great on the ball and can run the game from deep in midfield. If his recovery goes well, signing him from Rangers could be a brilliant bit of business for the long term.
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