Why Rangers must sign free agent Vaclav Hladky in the summer
According to a report from the Daily Record, Vaclav Hladky, who has been linked with a transfer to Rangers, is now a free agent, having left St. Mirren after his contract with the club expired.
The 29-year-old Hladky started out at hometown club FC Brno in Czech Republic. He made 48 first-team appearances for the club, keeping 13 clean sheets. After a loan spell at Breclav, he joined Slovan Liberec in the summer of 2015. He featured 42 times for the club, securing 12 shut-outs.
Having spent almost four years at the club, he signed for St. Mirren in January 2019. Hladky went on to feature 59 times for the Scottish outfit and kept 17 clean sheets before his contract expired.
Rangers need a new goalkeeper
Rangers fell short in their attempt to end Celtic’s reign in the Premiership. Having finished as the runners-up once again, Steven Gerrard must strengthen his squad in the summer in order to pose a stronger challenge and spoil the Hoops’ attempt of winning a 10th consecutive title.
A number of positions require strengthening over the summer, with the goalkeeping department also in need of a revamp. First-choice stopper Allan McGregor has done well once again, despite his advancing age. The 38-year-old has featured 48 times in all competitions this term, and conceded only 35 times, securing an impressive 24 clean sheets.
However, there is no backup in place for the seasoned campaigner. Both Wes Foderingham and Jak Alnwick have left the club upon the expiry of their contracts. Robby McCrorie, who is out on loan, is still lacking the experience to make a difference in the first-team right at this moment.
Hence, signing a proven shot-stopper, who can provide cover and eventually take over from McGregor, should be a priority for Rangers. Hladky, to that end, would be a viable option. The 29-year-old featured 38 times for St. Mirren in 2019/20, managing 14 clean sheets in the process.
A proven commodity in the Premiership, Hladky has gathered quite a lot of experience in Scotland, having played for St. Mirren since 2019. Considering that he is 29 years old, he still has plenty left to offer. In addition, his availability on a free means he will not cost a penny in transfer fee, making him a low-risk option for the Gers.
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Verdict
Rangers must sign a new goalkeeper in the summer, having allowed the contracts of Foderingham and Alnwick to run down. Hladky, in that regard, would be a wise choice. The 29-year-old has proven himself in Scotland and will be available on a free transfer. He would add more depth to the goalkeeping department, and will be ready to take over from McGregor when he calls it time.
