Jermain Defoe sends seven-word message to Jack Butland as Rangers transfer news emerges
English international goalkeeper Jack Butland has signed for Rangers on a four-year deal, it has been confirmed.
Following the expiration of his contract with Crystal Palace, Butland will make the move to Ibrox on 1 July as he becomes Rangers’ third summer signing after the arrivals of Dujon Sterling and Kieran Dowell.
The 30-year-old spent part of last season on loan at Manchester United but will now switch England for Scotland to compete with Jon McLaughlin and Robby McCroie for the number-one spot at the club.
Ahead of the switch, fellow countryman and former Rangers star Jermaine Defoe has sent the goalkeeper a clear but powerful message in an Instagram comment.
Defoe commented: “You’re gonna love it, mate. Special club,” underneath Butland’s post announcing the move (6 June).
The striker made 74 appearances for the club between January 2019 and January 2022, netting 32 goals and providing 10 assists in this time.
Notably, Defoe netted seven times during the 2020/21 campaign as he was part of Rangers’ invincibles squad which won the Scottish Premiership.
Big move for Butland
The move is absolutely massive for Butland with the former Birmingham goalkeeper having already expressed his excitement to get going with the Light Blues.
“I’m over the moon. The club speaks for itself. No matter where you are in football, you know about Rangers Football Club. This is a huge opportunity for me, and I’m delighted to be here,” Butland said after making the move to Rangers official.
If Butland experiences even just half of the success Defoe was able to experience with the club he will consider himself a very lucky man. The message from Defoe clearly shows his affinity and connection with Rangers, even since leaving over a year ago, and will only have excited Butland even more.
As for his quality, the goalkeeper is a top player with experience at the highest level of the game and many fans will be eager to see what the Englishman can bring to the Ibrox.
McGregor’s exit is a blow for Rangers on the whole because he’s a modern-day legend so hopefully Butland can fill his gloves and create his own legacy in Govan.
In other Rangers news, the details behind the move have been revealed.