Recent rumours surrounding Rangers apparently being close to signing Jack Butland and Kieran Dowell have been met with mixed reactions from the fans. There seems to be concerns about shopping in the English market and lack of money being spent. What fans need to remember though is that the transfer window isn’t even open yet, this means, for the most part, the only transfers being processed are bosman deals.
Michael Beale has claimed most moves are already in place and making progress along with already supposedly having spoke to some targets, presumably the ones becoming free agents in the summer as that’s all that’s allowed at this point.
These deals shouldn’t be cause for concern, free transfers are going to be necessary this summer considering how big an overhaul is needed and Ranger’s don’t have an unlimited transfer war chest. These deals, if the players can find previous form, represent great value for money, let’s look at the players individually.
Jack Butland – 30 years old, a player with EPL and international experience ready to enter his prime. He hasn’t played a lot in the last few seasons, sure, but match sharpness is completely different for goalkeepers compared to outfield players. At his best he was in contention for England’s number one and was touted for big moves to sides at the top of the EPL. On a free transfer this is an absolute no brainer and saves the club at least a few million which can be spent elsewhere.
Kieran Dowell – A 25 year old creative midfielder with the ability to unlock defences and drive the team forward. He has a cultured left foot and would be another option for set-pieces. Another who was touted very highly in his youth when he was at Everton and a regular for England U21s. For whatever reason he hasn’t thrived at Norwich the way they would’ve hoped but there’s still a very talented player in here. Eight goal contributions in 23 appearances while only averaging 49mins per 90 is still a very solid return. Very similar to Cantwell, not only in playstyle, but also in that his career needs a refresh and Rangers could provide that. Again, on a free this seems like it could be a very shrewd piece of business and look how Cantwell has turned out so far.
Both players, on paper, are very smart signings by the club, especially on frees and bringing them in first allows the money available to be spent elsewhere.
How do you feel about Jack Butland and Kieran Dowell? Do you have faith in Michael Beale and the rest of the Rangers recruitment team to build a squad capable of winning the SPFL next season?