Crystal Palace join race for Rangers prospect Bailey Rice hero image

Crystal Palace join race for Rangers prospect Bailey Rice

The Scottish midfielder is expected to leave this summer, with a transfer away from Scotland considered inevitable.

Published: 1 May 2026 14:10 GMT • 2h ago

Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa are trying to sign Rangers prospect Bailey Rice. The 19-year-old Scottish midfielder is expected to leave Rangers this summer when his contract expires, with a departure from Scotland considered inevitable. According to sources, Rice has become frustrated with the lack of consistent opportunities at the club.

Multiple English clubs, including the three previously mentioned, have started discussions with the player's representatives and presented plans intended to accelerate his progression at a senior level. It is also understood that clubs abroad are interested, with Schalke, Stuttgart, and Ajax all having held discussions over a potential deal. Rice, who has 16 caps for Scotland U19, has a current Transfermarkt market value of €800k. Reports in early 2026 noted that a cross-border transfer would only cost a small compensation fee.