GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Keith Jackson has sent a warning to Philippe Clement that if Jack Butland’s high valuation is reached, the Rangers might profit from him, which might be “bad news.”
Butland had an incredible first season at Ibrox after signing as a free agent, earning him the title of Gers Player of the Season last week.
Rangers will surely want to cling onto the Englishman, but Jackson believes that should an eight-figure offer be made, they may be compelled to make a move.
In his Daily Record editorial on May 2, Jackson wrote: “It goes without saying that [Clement] will be hoping to hang onto No. 1 Jack Butland.”
“The large man is a keeper, in every sense of the word. The problem lies in the fact that Butland’s comeback to form at Ibrox has not gone unnoticed in the region south of the border, where he initially gained prominence.
The folks in control of the Rangers’ finances may not be able to resist if just one club in England’s top division decides to place a price on him this summer. Clubs are fully aware of his true market value.
“An offer of up to £10 million for a player who signed a contract less than a year ago would be fantastic business for the boardroom, but it would be bad news for Clement, who would then have to have an unpleasant conversation about finding a suitable replacement with head of recruitment Nils Koppen.”
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland could attract transfer interest
It would come as a huge surprise if Butland is not on the radar of English Premier League clubs in the summer transfer window.
Given that he signed for free, the 31-year-old has been one of Rangers’ best recent acquisitions and has played a truly fantastic season.
In the event that an offer—or offers—are made for Butland, Rangers must reject them since he is essential to Philippe Clement’s goals for Ibrox.
It would, of course, be extremely difficult for Gers executives to say no if one of those bids was in the neighborhood of £10 million.
When it comes to transfers, it’s all about striking a balance, and adding that kind of money would boost the Light Blues overall.
And it’s not entirely out of the question for a club from south of the border to give that sum. Hopefully, this is not a choice that has to be carefully considered.
