DEFOE’S 65% PAY CUT
Star extends Gers stay
Jermain Defoe has taken a massive 65 per cent pay cut to stretch his stay at Rangers by another year.
The striker has signed a pre-contract deal to join the club permanently from Bournemouth when his current loan expires in the summer.
MailSport understands the 37-year-old has passed up more lucrative offers from down south – and sucked up close to a £ 3m hit on his current EPL wage – to get within the Ibrox pay structure.
Defoe has notched 24 goals in 48 games – 16 of them this season – since arriving last January.
And as he put pen to paper he
said: “I’m just delighted, to be honest. When I first signed, as I’ve said many times, it was an easy decision because I’ve always known about the size of this club, the history and the great players.
“So to get it all sorted out and secure my future here for another year is really special.
“I’m delighted, my family are happy and to have an opportunity to play for this club is special.”
Steven Gerrard has been working to get the deal over the line for the past month after securing another season from fellow veterans Allan McGregor and Steven Davis.
The Rangers boss told the club’s website: “It’s fantastic news.
“It ’s something we have been working on over the weeks and it is great to finally get that done and dusted.
“It’s great news for all the supporters and everyone connected with the club for many different reasons.
“Jermain is an incredible professional with the way he goes about his work on and off the pitch – he is a credit to himself and his family.
“And also on the pitch, which is the main thing, he is still contributing heavily.
“He is a major part of this group, this team and this squad. Hopefully, together we can go and share some success as I think he deserves that.”
Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson added: “Jermain is a wonderful professional and character.
“Having his quality and experience in our squad is not only valuable on the pitch but he is also a huge influence and example to our young players aspiring to represent Rangers in the future.”