Ibrox View: Rangers have no choice but to sign goalkeeper after record-equalling masterclass

Rangers have little choice but to step up their interest in young goalkeeper Pierce Charles after his latest show-stopping heroics for Sheffield Wednesday.

Charles delivered an outstanding performance in the Championship basement club’s 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Easter Monday, deservedly earning him glowing praise.

The 20-year-old’s string of eye-catching saves helped keep Wednesday in the match, before he was ultimately beaten by Jordan Ayew’s late equaliser at Hillsborough.

Already Northern Ireland’s No 1, Charles has attracted plenty of admiring glances and will almost certainly find himself on the move this summer.

With Rangers keen on a new goalkeeper, they must make sure they are in pole position.

How did Pierce Charles play vs Leicester?

It was a quite breathtaking performance from Charles, who almost single-handedly delivered all three points for Wednesday. Indeed, he made no less than 11 saves in 90 minutes.

There is a reason, then, why Rangers tried to sign Charles in the summer. On that occasion, they were unsuccessful, but judging from his latest heroics, they cannot fail this time.

Wednesday supporters will argue that his display was the best of his blossoming career.

His tally of 11 stops equalled the most by a goalkeeper in a Championship match this season. Ironically, he also set that record in the reverse fixture in August.

Footage of his brilliant double save from Stephy Mavididi and Patson Daka quickly went viral on social media, and Ibrox recruitment figures are certain to have taken note.

Charles is destined to leave Wednesday in the summer, with the club needing to repay creditors from the Dephon Chansiri era, and they will therefore sell to the highest bidder.

Charles would get nod over Jack Butland

While Jack Butland has doubtlessly been an admirable servant since arriving in Govan back in 2023, he may only have a couple of years remaining at the highest level.

As a result, Rangers would do well to scout out potential long-term replacements. Handily, Charles ticks almost every box and could be the Gers’ first-choice keeper for the long term.

Danny Rohl will know all about the teenager’s talent, having managed him at Wednesday last season, and he will almost certainly be open to overhauling his options between the sticks.

Recent reports have also suggested that the Light Blues will hand deputy Liam Kelly a new contract, which could well spell the end of Butland’s three-year stint at Ibrox.

Regardless, Rangers must act quickly to sign Charles, or someone else will.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.