Rangers’ goalie is in demand in the Premier League, and the Gers are fighting to retain elite players due to Brexit.
Rangers Football Club is grappling with mounting pressure to retain its top talent, as Premier League clubs intensify their pursuit of key players, notably goalkeeper Jack Butland. This challenge is compounded by post-Brexit regulations that have made it increasingly difficult for Scottish clubs to hold onto their elite prospects.
Jack Butland, who joined Rangers on a free transfer from Crystal Palace in 2023, has been instrumental in the team’s recent successes. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, attracting interest from English Premier League sides. Rangers have reportedly set a valuation of around £15 million for the 31-year-old, a figure that would represent one of the club’s most significant sales in recent history .
Despite the club’s desire to retain Butland, the financial allure of the Premier League presents a formidable challenge. Rangers are aware that they may struggle to match the wages offered by top-flight English clubs, which could tempt Butland to consider a return to England .
The situation is further complicated by the broader impact of Brexit on Scottish football. With English clubs now restricted from signing young players from the European Union until they are 18, there has been an increased focus on Scottish talent. This shift has led to a “brawn drain,” where promising young players are lured south of the border, often for modest compensation, undermining the development efforts of Scottish clubs .
In response to these challenges, Rangers have been proactive in bolstering their goalkeeping options. The club has re-signed former academy product Liam Kelly on a two-year deal. Kelly has already made a positive impact, including a clean sheet in a 3-0 victory over Celtic . Additionally, the emergence of 17-year-old Rydynn McGuire has provided a glimpse into the club’s future. McGuire has attracted attention from Arsenal, Everton, and Ipswich Town after leading Rangers’ youth team to a Glasgow Cup win over Celtic .
As Rangers navigate these complex dynamics, the club faces the dual challenge of retaining key players like Butland while also safeguarding its youth development pipeline. The coming months will be critical in determining how the club adapts to the evolving football landscape shaped by financial pressures and regulatory changes.