Rangers transfer news: Confirmed Jack Butland signing ‘lifts’ Michael Beale rebuild amid Celtic instability
Jack Butland’s arrival at Rangers “really lifts” the club at a time when Celtic “look a little more unstable”, according to Dean Jones.
The keeper’s signing from Crystal Palace was confirmed on Tuesday (6 June), following a delay while the Eagles’ contract option was allowed to expire, and is slated to take over from the departing Allan McGregor as the new Ibrox number one.
He is added to deals for Dujon Sterling from Chelsea and Kieran Dowell from Norwich, at a time when the Hoops have just lost manager Ange Postecoglou to Tottenham, and Jones believes things are looking up for Michael Beale.
The former Eurosport journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “This is a signing that really lifts the club both on and off the pitch.
“He’s an England international with very good character and also very good traits and those mixed aspects are important to Michael Beale, as he needs to alter the profile of his team ahead of next season.
“We know a bit of a remodel is going on and Rangers have every reason to be optimistic — especially at a time when Celtic look a little more unstable.”
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The Butland signing is the most positive move yet for Beale, who hasn’t wasted any time in getting the first of his many tasks for the summer ticked off.
The former England keeper has somewhat lost his way since the days when he was a Premier League regular at Stoke City and regularly picked for the international squad.
But similar was said about Todd Cantwell before his January arrival and his signing has so far proven to be a good one.
Butland is still only 30 and if he can grasp the opportunity in the same way the former Norwich midfielder appears to have then it will be a very strong replacement found for McGregor on a free.
And as it was reported that Manchester United were ready to double their loanee’s wages to keep him at Old Trafford next season [Mirror, 18 May] it appears that the former Birmingham man has forgone more money elsewhere.
On paper it looks like Beale has got off to a strong start before the window has officially opened, and Postecoglou’s departure to the Premier League possibly weakens the Old Firm rivals, dependent on who they bring in to replace the Australian.
So while it won’t mean anything unless it is backed up on the pitch in a couple of months time there is reason for optimism currently.
In other Rangers news, a “disagreement” over technicalities has now left a Gers transfer pursuit in limbo after repeat bids were tabled.