We don’t think too many Rangers fans are familiar with Ethan Sutherland.

After all, news about a 17-year-old left winger who is currently playing on loan with Alloa Athletic is not something that happens very often.
Though he has ties to some of the biggest teams in British football, Ethan Sutherland’s story—he was cut loose by Rangers when he was 16—is undoubtedly well-known.

The young player, who is contracted to St Mirren for an additional season, is making waves at the promotion-chasing Wasps and may be another one that got away for the Ibrox team.
Chelsea & Man City tail Ethan Sutherland

The Daily Record claims that Ethan Sutherland is being followed by teams like Manchester City and Chelsea south of the border, at least that’s what they say.

According to the report, Crystal Palace, a Premier League team that brought Dylan Reid to Selhurst Park the previous season, is reportedly also interested.

The Scotland youth international midfielder was being linked to Rangers, but he ultimately decided to move south—a route that young Scottish talent is increasingly taking.
Rangers may come to regret the day they let go of the Academy winger, as Ethan Sutherland is now expected to join Reid in the Premier League.

Considered inadequate at Ibrox a mere two years prior, is this another instance of the Rangers youth academy failing to land a promising young player?

Ethan Sutherland is having a breakout season. In Scottish League One, he has three goals and six assists.

For the Rangers, another “one that got away”?

Although this is only really a problem when players move on to bigger and better things, Ethan Sutherland’s age and the nearness of his Rangers release put the matter in sharper relief.

Having said that, this is not the first time the Rangers have erred in judgement regarding the development of a young player.

There are numerous instances of players who were surplus to requirements at Rangers going on to have successful careers, but two in particular have irritated supporters in recent years.

As a schoolboy, Rangers released Kenny McLean, who is currently with Norwich City. He later made a name for himself with St. Mirren and Aberdeen.

Lewis Ferguson, who suffered a terrible injury just now, was also let go by Rangers before going on to succeed in Serie A with Hamilton and Aberdeen.

In the future, we imagine there will be a lot of headlines about Rangers losing out on yet another great opportunity if Pep Guardiola and company decide to sign Ethan Sutherland.