Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland. (Credit: Imago)
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland. (Credit: Imago)

Jack Butland exit: Rangers to seek January transfer after what star has done

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Philippe Clement will know exactly how thin the Rangers ice is as he continues to skate around Ibrox.

The Belgian has been under immense pressure for months, only recently relieved by a run of decent form in all competitions, but fans have batted away the blinders already.

Following a controversial defeat to Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Scottish Cup final, the Gers scraped past a poor Dundee side at Ibrox, thanks to a single goal from Vaclav Cerny.

The performances that have followed are nothing short of destructive.

Firstly, losing 2-1 to St Mirren before, secondly, needing a spectacular second-half display from Hamza Igamane to rescue a point at Fir Park against Motherwell on Sunday 29 December.

Something that both of those games had in common - Jack Butland's massively concerning drop in form between the sticks.

He gave away an idiotic penalty in the 2-1 loss at the SMISA Stadium, only to double down on that with a performance that should have seen all three points thrown away against the Steelmen.

Rangers to seek Jack Butland transfer in January

Of course, the entire squad has struggled to perform under the guidance of Clement. However, Butland's drop in form has been far more noticeable, and arguably, far more concerning.

Last season, he was one of the players of the season in the Scottish Premiership, with his form transferring to the Europa League too, earning himself links with moves back to the Premier League.

Newly promoted side Ipswich Town's links to the shot-stopper were disputed [Ben Jacobs], but many felt that the Light Blues should let him go if a £10million bid were to arrive.

With the goalkeeper now showing far too many errors, costing goals and penalties, Clement might be wondering why the club did not push for an exit last summer.

Liam Kelly remains on the bench, but with just one appearance for the Gers since returning to Ibrox in June, it could be that another goalkeeper is needed before Butland is found a new home.

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