McLaughlin opts to head north to join Ibrox giants
BLACK CATS’ OFFER ISN’T TAKEN UP AS JON JOINS RANGERS
JON McLaughlin has left Sunderland to join Scottish Premier League side Glasgow Rangers.
The Scotland goalkeeper is out of contract at the end of the month, but contract negotiations stalled last summer after his agent told Sunderland he wanted to double his client’s wages.
The Black Cats did make an offer to McLaughlin this month, but it was looking increasingly as though he would decide to move on.
And Rangers made the 32-year-old a better offer, with McLaughlin deciding to return north of the Border two years after he left Hearts to join Sunderland.
He has signed a two-year deal at Ibrox, where he will compete for number one spot.
McLaughlin said: “It’s a very proud moment for myself and for the family.
“It is great to be back up here in Scotland and we are very proud to have made the deal happen, and I am really looking forward to now getting back to football and starting my next chapter here with an amazing football club.
“Knowing the club already, and what a massive club and what a huge opportunity it could be, and speaking with the manager and his staff, and knowing the vision and the direction and what they are trying to achieve here, and the opportunity to be a part of that and hopefully be a part of something special here, was what sold it to me.”
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard said: “Jon is a vastly experienced professional who will add strength and depth to our squad. He is here to compete for the number one shirt and will add much-needed competition for places.
“He was involved in play-offs with Sunderland and will thrive on the pressurised environment at Ibrox.
“His experience in the SPFL will stand by him as he continues to fight for a place in the Scotland squad.”
And Rangers’ sporting director Ross Wilson added: “Jon joins Rangers with excellent experience. For the past seven seasons he has been present in almost every game, displaying a huge consistency of performance that is so important for a Rangers goalkeeper.
“He will provide strong competition to the outstanding Allan McGregor and we know that Jon’s character, personality and professionalism will be important for the group for at least the next two years.”
One of the factors that will have counted in favour of a move to Ibrox is that a switch to a high-profile club in Scotland is likely to enhance his chances of adding to his tally of two international caps.
Championship side Blackburn Rovers were also interested in McLaughlin but their manager Tony Mowbray admitted that he did not know what budget he would have to work with, and could therefore not offer terms to any new signings at present.
And that allowed Rangers to steal a march and negotiate a move, with Gerrard’s team keen to bring in another goalkeeper to compete with McGregor following the departures of Wes Foderingham and ex-Newcastle United man Jak Alnwick this summer.
Sunderland already have former Coventry City stopper Lee Burge on their books, who proved himself a capable deputy in October and November last season when McLaughlin’s form dipped and boss Phil Parkinson took him out of the firing line.
Parkinson though will want to bring in another senior goalkeeper to replace McLaughlin and to provide cover and competition for Burge.
Sunderland have also agreed a new contract with 20-year-old academy prospect Anthony Patterson, although he is expected to be third in the pecking order.