Goalkeeper joins Rangers
Rangers have announced the signing of goalkeeper Ivor Pandur from Hull City on a four-year deal, subject to international clearance. Pandur is currently with Croatia at the World Cup. He played a significant role for Hull City last season, contributing to their promotion to the English Premier League.
Pandur’s career began in Croatia with his hometown club HNK Rijeka, where he made his senior debut in the 2019/20 season, keeping 10 clean sheets in 21 appearances. He then moved to Serie A side Hellas Verona in August 2020, spending two years there before joining Fortuna Sittard in the Dutch top flight. At Fortuna Sittard, he established himself as a number one goalkeeper, making 31 appearances in his first season.
He joined Hull City in January 2024 and made a notable impact in England. Last season, Pandur was crucial in Hull‘s promotion campaign, securing back-to-back clean sheets against Millwall in the play-off semi-finals, followed by another clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the final.
Upon signing for Rangers, Pandur expressed his honour and privilege to join a club with such history. He stated that the club’s winning mentality was a key reason for his decision to join. He also mentioned his anticipation of experiencing the atmosphere at Ibrox for the first time and his hope for collective success.
Manager Derek McInnes commented on the signing, expressing delight at bringing Pandur to Rangers. McInnes described Pandur as a goalkeeper with excellent presence and strong character, highlighting his quality and his current stage of career development. McInnes believes Pandur can become a commanding figure for the club and looks forward to welcoming him to the team after his return from the World Cup.
Transfer details and related movements
Reports indicate that Rangers are set to complete a £6m move for Pandur. The 26-year-old goalkeeper underwent a medical while with Croatia‘s World Cup squad in the United States. This transfer is expected to be finalised before Jack Butland‘s £3m switch to Hull City. This arrangement would allow the Premier League club to purchase the English goalkeeper after Tuesday’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) accounting period.
Jack Butland is reportedly close to finalising his move to Hull City. Butland joined Rangers in 2023 and has made over 150 appearances for the club. He has previously played for several English clubs, including Birmingham, Stoke, and Crystal Palace. Although Butland’s move is not yet official, he has posted a farewell message to Rangers on Instagram, reflecting on his three years at the club and expressing pride in his efforts on and off the pitch. He thanked the fans for their support and stated that the sound of Ibrox in full voice would remain with him.
In other transfer news, Rangers are not pursuing a deal for Dundee defender Luke Graham. Despite the 22-year-old impressing at Dens Park last season, Ibrox officials are not planning a move for the player during the current transfer window.
Additionally, goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo is departing Rangers a year after joining the club. He will join newly promoted Premier League club Coventry City as part of Frank Lampard‘s backroom staff.
Rangers will kick off their season against Dundee Utd.
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Source: rangers.co.uk
As News-UK's Sports News Writer, Oscar Pennington reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He built a reputation for sharp explainer pieces on regional sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Oscar lives in Nottingham, where he follows the pro golf tour and amateur boxing. “Context is what turns a result into a story.”
