Jack Butland ‘Premier League transfer on cards’ as Rangers verdict emerges
Rangers have a massive decision to make on their first-choice goalkeeper as Jack Butland continues to showcase his fragilities since his move from the Premier League.
The shot-stopper was at fault as the Gers conceded a second in their comeback win over Dundee at Dens Park on 29 March.
Butland bundled Joe Shaughnessy’s header as the visitors went 2-0 behind, but the English goalkeeper’s blushes were saved by his teammates in the thrilling 4-3 victory.
The 32-year-old has suffered similar mishaps over the course of the season, leading to questions around his future at the Glaswegian outfit.
Premier League return on cards for Butland as backup goalkeeper after Rangers errors
Butland could potentially return to the Premier League as a second or third-choice after his displays at the Bears, Jonny McFarlane says.
The Scottish journalist believes the 32-year-old has to do better to retain his place in between the sticks long-term at the Gers or risk moving back to the English top flight as a bench warmer.
McFarlane feels the English shot-stopper’s signing has been unsuccessful for the Light Blues, considering the displays and the wages he’s paid.
| Appearances (2024/25) | Goals conceded | Clean sheets |
| 41 | 46 | 14 |
In the Rangers Review, the journalist wrote: “What Rangers wouldn’t give for the Butland who walked through the door in the summer of 2023. That version looked like one of the club’s best signings in years, and for at least six months, he was inspired.
“Looking at it now, nearly two years on, I’m not sure you can even call the signing a success given the level of wage outlay.
“He has to do better if he’s to retain his place for the long term, or a lucrative but monotonous return to the Premier League as a second or third-choice homegrown placeholder beckons.”
Barry Ferguson has Butland call to make at Ibrox
Ibrox will host Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday (5 April), and it will be interesting to see the Gers’ starting lineup.
Barry Ferguson has made bold decisions since replacing Philippe Clement, and Butland is arguably testing his patience at present.
The former Manchester United shot-stopper has made several errors leading to goals in the current campaign, making his inclusion in the starting lineup difficult.
Liam Kelly has been a decent backup goalkeeper for Rangers this season, and the Scotsman definitely deserves an opportunity to play.
The Light Blues are out of domestic cup competitions and have almost nothing left to play for in the Scottish Premiership, as they sit 13 points behind Celtic.
With the Europa League the Bears’ only hope to salvage the season, it would make sense to rest Butland for the crunch ties against Athletic Club.
Kelly should be in the starting lineup as Hibernian make their way to Glasgow, with young players being given a chance to make an impact.
Ferguson may look to rest some of the prominent stars against the Hibees, but it remains to be seen whether the interim manager has other ideas.