Ex-Partick Thistle defender Liam Lindsay looks set for a big money move. His current club Barnsley, according to the Scottish Sun, have accepted a bid of £2 million plus add ons for the defender from Stoke City. Could that open the door for Harry Souttar to return to Scotland?
Brother of Hearts defender John, Souttar is currently contracted to the Potters. He is unlikely to break into their side this year due to the quality they have in the central defence department.
He has the potential to make it at the Bet365 Stadium though. Would another loan move to the SPFL help him fulfill that potential?
Souttar needs a loan spell
The big defender was on loan at Fleetwood Town during the second half of last season. Even Lindsay isn’t guaranteed a game if he moves for a seven figure sum, so Souttar probably has next to no chance.
Stoke have a trusty defensive pairing in Ryan Shawcross and Danny Batth. They have young Nathan Collins emerging from the youth ranks. Former World Cup semi-finalist Bruno Martins Indi is also still at the club. That’s the level of talent the Potters have before Lindsay even arrives.
Souttar is better off getting game time somewhere else next season. Having already featured for Dundee United and most recently Ross County a couple of seasons ago, it could be time for him to try his hand in the Premiership once more.
Who would he suit? With an aging backline, perhaps he would suit Kilmarnock. They need some reinforcements in defence and Souttar could be a solid option for them.
It would be an ambitious signing, but Livingston could really benefit from him. If they could sort out wage agreements, it’d be an ideal place for him.
The Potters defender would likely play every week, and after losing Craig Halkett and Declan Gallagher, Livi need to bring in quality defenders. Souttar could be one of them.
There will no doubt be a few clubs interested in taking Souttar on loan if the opportunity arises. The SPFL though has a good track record of developing talent and Souttar could be another to learn his trade in Scotland.