Russell Martin and Kevin Thelwell must not make transfer blunder to replace Rangers star
Russell Martin and Kevin Thelwell have become two of the most disliked men in G51 over a matter of months at Rangers.
This summer oversaw another huge rebuild in Govan, with 14 new arrivals coming through the door.
Thelwell has faced criticism for some of the players that have joined Rangers in the summer, with extortionate fees being paid for unproven players.
One player has excelled this season, yet there are rumours that Martin wants him replaced.
Jack Butland should not be replaced as Rangers goalkeeper
Jack Butland has been one of Rangers’ standout performers this season, saving Martin from further embarrassment in many games.
Butland’s future at Ibrox was in doubt over the summer, with former Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein expected to replace him.
Most recently, Sheffield Wednesday’s young number one, Pierce Charles, has been linked with a £4million move to Ibrox.
Whilst the talented Northern Ireland international would be a good signing for the future, Rangers have everything they need with Butland at the moment.
The 32-year-old’s experience is invaluable, and the shot-stopper has already shown this season why he is key to this struggling Rangers side.
- Butland emerged as a Premier League-level goalkeeper for Stoke in 2014/15
- He has made 88 Premier League appearances for Stoke and Crystal Palace
- Butland has been excellent this season, keeping Rangers in multiple matches
Butland’s penalty save against Genk kept the Bears in the match, whilst he was unfortunate after saving a Lawrence Shankland penalty, as the striker tapped home the rebound versus Hearts.
Since he arrived in 2023, he has been consistent and reliable in a Rangers team that has undergone so much change.
Martin is said to want a goalkeeper who is better with the ball at his feet to suit his expansive playing style, yet Butland’s shot-stopping abilities can’t be replaced.
With Thelwell under the microscope, another multi-million pound signing in a department of the pitch that isn’t necessary would certainly raise more scrutiny on the sporting director.
- Read more: James Tavernier backed for private Russell Martin talks at Rangers – ‘You would get dropped’
Kevin Thelwell must stop focusing on young talents
There are plenty of clubs around Europe that have invested in young players who have reaped the rewards later down the line.
Arsenal are rejuvenated under Mikel Arteta, Italian side Como are flying under the management of Cesc Fabregas, and even France’s Strasbourg gained European football with the average age of their starting XI not surpassing 22.
However, whilst the signing of Charles would be a good one, Rangers simply don’t have any more money to waste on the inflated EFL market.
Thelwell has spent big on Emmanuel Fernandez and Youssef Chermiti, whilst placing enormous faith in Jayden Meghoma and Nasser Djiga to hit the ground running.
Whilst some of these talents have the potential to become top-class players, the Light Blues are currently in a predicament where they need players who are ready to perform instantly.
The lack of Champions League football is financially devastating for the club, and spending money on players who don’t instantly improve the starting lineup would be a huge waste.
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