Jack Butland has done enough to retain Rangers gloves for 2026-27 – here’s why
It’s fair to say that Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland cuts a divisive figure amongst supporters.
Having joined Rangers in the summer of 2023 following his release from Crystal Palace, Butland instantly won the starting role between the Ibrox sticks.
Now over 140 appearances and almost three years into his Gers career, the 32-year-old is hoping to be crowned a Scottish Premiership champion come the end of this season.
But, the nine-cap England international has had his fair share of critics in Glasgow, as he has been prone to a costly mistake perhaps more often than some would like from their goalkeeper.
That issue has reared its head once again in 2025-26, but the shot-stopper has also been crucial to the turnaround in form of Danny Rohl‘s side this term.
Jack Butland is posting excellent shot-stopping numbers this season
Like many of Rangers’ players this season, Butland endured a challenging few opening months of the season under Russell Martin.
The team were not playing well at all, and Butland, whilst he certainly could’ve performed better himself, wasn’t getting much help from his defenders in front.
However, with Rohl now at the wheel, Rangers have improved significantly across the pitch, and Butland looks a far more assured keeper who is confident in his last line of protection ahead of him.
As per Sofascore, Butland is now conceding an average of just 0.8 goals per game in the Scottish Premiership, and has prevented plus 7.20 goals from going in the back of the Gers net this term.
In 27 league games so far this season, he’s kept 11 clean sheets, which is a very respectable number given Rangers’ early-season struggles, and is only bettered by Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel (12) and Motherwell’s Calum Ward (14).
More risk of a downgrade than upgrade if Rangers try to replace Butland
Under contract at Ibrox until the summer of 2027, Butland has shown enough this season to feel his position as Rangers’ starting goalkeeper is safe for the 2026-27 campaign at least.
At 32, he still should have a number of good years ahead of him left in the tank too, and isn’t someone Rangers chiefs should be rushing to replace by any means.
The way he’s still performing most weeks, it would be far more likely that Rangers find a downgrade on Butland than an upgrade if they were to go chasing a new starting goalkeeper in the summer.
So, whilst mistakes have and do continue to put a slight stain on his largely excellent performances, Butland is still good enough to remain Rangers’ number one for a while longer yet.
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