- Gareth McAuley believes Pierce Charles would be perfect for Rangers
- Charles has been heavily linked with signing at Ibrox
- The club need a new long term shot-stopper to replace Jack Butland
Former Premier League defender Gareth McAuley believes Pierce Charles would be a massive coup for Rangers if they signed him.
The Rangers board already has an eye on upcoming targets for the summer, with Charles top of the list.
Jack Butland is approaching his mid-30s and isn’t a sustainable long-term goalkeeper at the club.
McAuley insists Charles is already a ‘top player’ and could be a major asset if he performs under the bright lights of Ibrox.
Charles has played in a struggling Sheffield Wednesday team this campaign, but a move to Ibrox could kickstart his trajectory.
What McAuley said about Pierce Charles
The former Northern Irish defender spoke to Record Sports about what Charles could bring to Ibrox next season.
“I had Pierce with the Northern Ireland Under-19’s. He gives the game a completely different dimension.”
“People have said to me he’s too small. But I say he’s not because he’s so agile.”
“He’s got such quick feet that he gets around the goal. And his distribution is just on a different level.”
“He’s a really top player, and if Rangers could get him, they’d have a massive sellable asset on their hands.”
“He’d play more games, get exposure in Europe, so a move there would be great for both parties.”
“To me, Rangers is the top club in the world.”
“But if Pierce stays injury-free, I can see this kid, with his temperament, becoming a goalkeeper worth a hell of a lot of money who plays in some of the world’s biggest games.”
“He’s that good. I don’t like putting pressure on young players, but he’s such a level-headed boy, it won’t faze him.”
Read Rangers analysis
Danny Rohl worked closely with Charles at Hillsborough and clearly trusts the youngster’s ability to play the high line.
Rohl demands a keeper who is effectively an 11th outfielder. Charles, a product of the Manchester City academy, is elite with his feet.
Charles has proven to be a solid shot-stopper at Sheffield Wednesday, stopping many more goals from going in.
He is already a senior international and possesses the attributes to be a real modern goalkeeping great.
At 20 years old, he has the time to develop into a seasoned pro and potentially make Rangers a lot of money in the future.
The Gers want young, hungry players who can continue to develop and become mainstays in the team.
Charles represents the recruitment plan that Rangers are relying on for the future.
