Butland could be replaced by penalty-saving maestro, Rangers fans will love this footage
Jack Butland has faced an uncertain future at Rangers for several months now.
The goalkeeper lost his place to Liam Kelly after a string of below-par performances last term, and the expectation has been that he would be replaced ahead of the new campaign.
Butland turned in two impressive displays to help Rangers down Panathinaikos in their Champions League qualifying tie, but an error-strewn showing against Motherwell in the opening game of the Premiership season has had alarm bells ringing once again.
It has been speculated for some time now that Russell Martin will want a gloveman who is more adept with his feet, and it looks as if the new boss could be about to get his way.
Karl Hein’s best saves as Rangers eye move
It looks as though Karl Hein could now be the man to replace Butland at Rangers, as the Govan outfit have recently joined the race to sign the Arsenal youngster.
The veteran Englishman will surely find it hard to argue with the possibility of him being replaced by the Estonian, given some of the footage that has now emerged of him in action.
Hein made two hugely impressive saves from both Phillip Billing and Ryan Christie during a penalty shootout victory in a pre-season outing against Bournemouth in July 2024, and he has already gained a reputation as a ‘keeper who is a particularly fantastic shot stopper.
- Hein played 31 games for Real Valladolid in La Liga last term
- He previously had a brief Championship loan spell with Reading back in 2021/22
- Rangers are ready to battle Sevilla for his signature
The former Real Valladolid loanee has demonstrated his superb reactions to make point-blank saves on several occasions during his time with the Gunners’ youth setup, and clips of his best moments are sure to have Rangers fans hugely excited about the prospect of potentially seeing him become their new number one.
Perhaps the highlight of all of Hein’s work at Arsenal, is a superb double save following a one-on-one breakaway, which can be seen at 0.46 in the video below.
He may not have extensive experience in senior football just yet, but the gloveman’s highlights from his academy days should be enough alone to excite the Gers faithful.
- Read More: Mikel Arteta has said some very good things about Karl Hein as Rangers line up Arsenal deal
Hein will be a long-term option for the Gers
Butland will understandably be a little miffed by the links with Hein, but it is difficult to go against the notion of Rangers targeting somebody who could become their number one for several years to come.
At 23, he has ample room to improve as a ‘keeper, and Ibrox could provide the perfect environment for him to do so, given the collection of young stars that Martin is already building.
Lyall Cameron starred in the recent win over Viktoria Plzen, while Djeidi Gassama and Findlay Curtis are continuing to make a name for themselves by producing big moments on the European stage.
Hein could be the latest to join that contingent of promising young stars, and if the Gers can get a deal done to secure his signature, then he could become a staple in their team for the next few years.
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