Jack Butland has become Rangers' third summer signing after putting pen to paper on a deal at Ibrox.
Michael Beale identified the England international early on as a key player he wanted as part of his summer rebuild in Glasgow. With his loan at Manchester United having ended, Butland is set to be released at the expiration of his contract at Crystal Palace, and now the Light Blues gaffer has moved quickly to secure the 30-year-old in a major coup on a pre-contract four-year deal.
Allan McGregor has left Rangers as one of five top team stars to exit after their own deals expired. He was handed a big ovation from the Ibrox faithful alongside Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander as they said a final farewell in the last home game of the season against Hearts as those in attendance showed their appreciation for what the goalkeeping legend, 41 has done for the club over his two spells alongside his fellow departing team-mates.
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Beale got his new look era underway in January by capturing Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin. Both have settled in with ease and already established themselves as fans' favourites in Govan. That will delight the 42-year-old who has since captured Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling on pre-contracts as signings one and two of the big summer recruitment drive.
Now Butland has pledged his future to the club and will compete with Robby McCrorie to be No1. His game time over the last few seasons has been limited but he will be looking at this chance to get a mass number of games under his belt as a first choice, compete for trophies and titles and play Champions League football.
Speaking after signing for Rangers, Butland said: “I’m over the moon. The club speaks for itself. No matter where you are in football, you know about Rangers Football Club. This is a huge opportunity for me, and I’m delighted to be here.
“I feel great and motivated at the age that I am, and I feel excited at what the future holds. Doing that at a club that is equally as passionate about winning and being at the top was huge for me.
“It’s an important summer for the club and we need to get off to a good start. Getting the work done early is hugely important, so that we’re settled and raring to go when we come back in.”
Beale, commented: “I am delighted that we have recruited Jack. It was clear from our first meeting that we have a strong alignment on football and his development moving forward.
“At 30, he is coming into the prime years of his career having already amassed huge experience with 300 appearances in senior football, including almost 90 in the Premier League.
“In addition, he has played for England at every level, including nine caps for the senior team and five for the Great Britain Olympic team.
"I feel that we have recruited an excellent goalkeeper and, importantly, a top person. We are delighted to have Jack and his young family arriving in Glasgow and look forward to seeing him excel in his time at Rangers.”
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