OFFICIAL: Man Utd goalkeeper joins European giants

Tom Hancock

• 6 Jun 2023 18:08 BST
• 3 min read

Jack Butland’s Manchester United loan spell has to come to an end, with the goalkeeper poised to join Rangers from Crystal Palace as a free agent.

Butland joined United in January to provide goalkeeping cover for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign – but the former England international never made an appearance for Erik ten Hag’s side.

And, with his Palace contract expiring at this month, his time in the Premier League is about to come to an end.

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Rangers have announced the pre-contract signing of Butland, with the 30-year-old due to officially move to Ibrox on a four-year deal on July 1.

Veteran ‘keeper Allan McGregor remained the Gers’ first-choice custodian up until this season – but the 41-year-old will leave the 55-time Scottish champions on a free transfer this summer.

Ostensibly, then, Butland will take the number one spot for Michael Beale’s side – a role he hasn’t held since 2019/20 while with Stoke City in the Championship.

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📝 Rangers Football Club are delighted to announce the pre-contract signing of Jack Butland from Crystal Palace.

Jack will officially join the club on July 1, on a four-year deal, subject to international clearance.

All the Info ⤵️

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 6, 2023

Meanwhile at Old Trafford

Speaking about his imminent switch to Rangers, Butland told the club’s official website: “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.”

Manager Beale added: “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 going forward.”

As for Man Utd, they could make a big goalkeeping signing themselves during the next transfer window: even if David de Gea extends his contract as is expected, the veteran Spaniard has continued to prove his doubters right in recent months, and stiffer competition for the number one spot at Old Trafford wouldn’t go amiss.