With nearly 150 appearances in goal for Rangers, the club must sign Jack Butland to a new contract in the summer.
The former Stoke City and England stopper has made it clear he wants to remain at the club.
His current deal expires in the summer of 2027, admitting the insecurity of his future has crept into his mind.
Butland said, “It’s something that starts to creep into your mind when you get towards the end of a contract.”
“I’m hoping to finish the season really, really strong and would love to extend that [contract].”
“I love it here, and I love the challenge. I have from the get-go, and that hasn’t changed.”
A goalkeeper of Butland’s quality and experience is hard to come by in the current transfer climate.
Here are three reasons why the Gers must now signal their intentions—and give him a new bumper deal.
A ready-in-waiting captain
At 33 and with the vast Premier League and international experience he has, Butland is a ready-made captain for the Gers.
Butland has already worn the armband this season and is a natural fit for the role.
The Rangers dressing room is in flux with many players on the fringes of being in and out the door.
The average age of the squad is 25.2, showcasing the youthful nature of the current crop.
The club needs a leader who’s played at the highest level and knows how to perform in a Rangers jersey.
The uncertainty surrounding James Tavernier’s future is also a reason to keep Butland on board.
Getting rid of two vastly experienced players in one summer would be a crisis waiting to happen for Danny Rohl.
He’s still performing at a high level.
After an incredible start to life at Rangers under Michael Beale, there is no question that he struggled last season.
Remarkably, Butland has returned to the form that led Gers fans to fall in love with him in his first year.
Butland has saved all four of the penalties against him in the Premiership this season.
The former England international has made 92 saves this season, keeping out 78.6% of the shots on target.
Questions about his poor distribution have followed him across his career, but his ability to keep the ball out of the net has always been good.
Protecting his market value
From a business perspective, it would be a disaster to let Butland run into the final year of his contract.
With the Bosman ruling, in January 2027—six months before his contract ends—Butland could negotiate a free transfer with European clubs if he does not sign a new deal.
By signing him to a new contract, the club can protect his market value even if they wish to ship him off soon.
Moreover, the Gers need to focus on strengthening their outfield positions rather than getting a new keeper.
Butland can be a cornerstone in the changing tide at Rangers under the new ownership group.
Read Rangers analysis
With the Rangers squad in limbo, Butland is a player who needs to be at the forefront of the current change at Ibrox.
He brings top-level experience and has already shown he’s a ready-made captain if Tavernier leaves.
Butland is eager to stay and continues performing at a high level.
