Birmingham City can send another transfer statement by sealing move for Rangers man | OneFootball

Birmingham City should look to bring Jack Butland back to the club from Rangers in the summer transfer window.

Birmingham City are preparing for life back in the Championship, although their ambitious owners will hope that it’s a short stay back in the second tier.

Under their US ownership group, Blues made history with their spending spree last season, and with the Premier League the aim, boss Chris Davies is expected to receive more serious backing as he looks to build a group that can make it successive promotions.

Yet, given the quality already at St. Andrew’s, this summer isn’t going to see a major overhaul. Instead, it will be about adding a select number of players that can raise the levels.

Birmingham City will need to be ruthless in the transfer market as they crave double promotion

Given the contributions made by this Blues squad, which broke the EFL record for the number of points won, it feels harsh suggesting that players should be replaced.

However, the hierarchy will need to be ruthless if Birmingham are to be successful, so bringing in a new keeper should be a priority.

Ryan Allsop has been terrific since he arrived, and he has a real bond with the fans, but he hasn’t proven himself to be a top-level keeper by Championship standards.

So, the recruitment team should be on the lookout for a new stopper - and Jack Butland would be an ideal fit.

Jack Butland would improve Birmingham City

The 32-year-old is well-known to Blues fans, as he joined the club as a teenager, progressed through the ranks and made nearly 50 appearances for the club.

Of course, circumstances were very different then, so Birmingham were unable to retain Butland as Premier League interest emerged, and he eventually joined Stoke.

Since then, he has gone on to have a fantastic career, which has seen the keeper play in the Premier League, represent the GB Olympic team, and he has also won nine England caps.

Currently, Butland is at Rangers, and whilst he impressed initially at Ibrox, the past year has been difficult for the ex-Stoke man, and he lost his place earlier this season after a series of mistakes.

With the end of the season looming, that will have Butland thinking twice about his future. Whilst his professionalism in Glasgow has been praised, does he really want to risk being second choice next season?

That could open a window of opportunity for Blues, and Rangers may welcome a sale as it would raise more funds for a new manager as they prepare for a busy summer themselves.

From Birmingham’s perspective, it’s hard to say that Butland wouldn’t be a big upgrade on Allsop.

As mentioned, he has an excellent pedigree, and even though his form may be a worry, a change of environment could be just what he needs to get his career going again.

At his best, Butland is a very good keeper, who could excel in the Championship. He has a real presence between the sticks, is capable of pulling out brilliant saves, and his ability on the ball is good enough to cope with the demands that Davies has of his number one.

At 32, he also has plenty of experience under his belt, and it’s an added bonus that he has a connection with Blues from his youth.

Birmingham made headlines for their incredible spending spree last summer, and more money will be spent in the upcoming window as the club look to reach the top.

Promotion has put extra pressure on transfers, as it’s about getting it right to ensure the team can take that next step . Sealing a return for Butland could be a move that suits all parties and helps Blues in their quest to reach the Premier League as soon as possible.