When you consider just how impressive Jack Butland has been during a superb debut season at Rangers – the goalkeeper masterful again vs Celtic in Sunday’s Old Firm derby – a new shot-stopper is unlikely to be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing what Philippe Clement needs in the summer transfer window.
But when factoring in Jon McLaughlin’s expiring contract – and Robby McCrorie’s desire for more regular match action – and suddenly the reports suggesting that Rangers are ‘very interested’ in a £3.5 million-rated glovesman make a whole lot more sense.
Belgian publication SudInfo indicates that Arnaud Bodart, who was a target for Luton Town and Rangers’ Old Firm rivals Celtic back in 2023, is now on the radar of Clement’s side. The 26-year-old is a player the Ibrox boss knows from his time in charge of Club Brugge. The Gers, interestingly, have also recently hired former Royal Antwerp scout Anthony Galinski.
Rangers keen on Standard Liege’s Arnaud Bodart
With less than 12 months remaining on Bodart’s contract, Standard Liege may have little choice but to cash in. But how does Bodart himself feel about a fresh start away from his homeland? Well, claims from SudInfo that he was keen on a departure last summer should give Rangers some hope.
As should the comments Bodart made to La Derniere Heure back in May 2023.
“I have ambitions as a footballer,” Bodart said at the time. “But I’ll keep that to myself, although I can say that I want to make progress.
“One thing is certain. I feel great at Standard. I play for my club in my city, hey. Although I do miss our European matches!”
Standard have not featured in continental action since their group-stage exit from the UEFA Europa League back in 2020. Another year’s absence from European football appears to be on the cards too. Ivan Leko’s side are tenth, and 13 points adrift of KAA Gent in the final qualification spot.
If Bodart wants to play on the continent next term, then packing his bags is probably the only way to go. Rangers, of course, could offer the former Belgium Under 21 international the chance to achieve his continental ambitions, Bodart having not featured in any UEFA competition since he was lobbed by that iconic Kemar Roofe goal against Steven Gerrard’s Rangers four years ago.
Belgian wil not have happy memories of Rangers
“None of my goals were in that league,” Gerrard said at the time, via The Guardian. “It was a moment of genius. I’ve been lucky enough to watch it five or six times since the end of the game and it’s the actual buildup and preparation before the strike.
“(Roofe) knocks two people off the ball in the worst conditions I’ve seen. Then he manages to take someone on – and to then have the vision and audacity to try the strike in the first place … it’s probably the best goal I’ve seen live, and I’ve been a professional since 1998.”
Bodart, should Rangers step up their interest, may have the opportunity to ask Roofe all about it face-to-face soon enough.
