Exclusive: Rohl Targets Former Club as Rangers Line Up Long-Term Jack Butland Replacement

Danny Rohl, the Rangers head coach, views Sheffield Wednesday’s Pierce Charles as a potential longterm successor to Jack Butland and is weighing-up a move for the young goalkeeper, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

We understand that Rohl, who left Hillsborough over the summer before moving to Glasgow, has instructed Ibrox’s recruitment department to begin compiling a dossier on Charles performances as he considers exploiting his former club’s well-documented financial issues either during next month’s transfer window or ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Although the administrators tasked with running The Owls until a new buyer is found are aware of the need to support Rohl’s successor Henrik Pedersen as he tries to steer an already weakened squad through the remainder of a season destined to end in relegation following two points deductions, their ultimate responsibility is to the team’s creditors following its implosion under Dejphon Chansiri. 

And that, unless the sale process is accelerated, could force them to consider serious bids for any of those contracted to Wednesday in order to help repay the millions owed to both businesses and rival sides.

It is not the first Sheffield Wednesday-related link to emerge for Rohl at Rangers, with the German previously credited with an interest in Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, Pierce’s brother, who spent last season on loan at Hillsborough under his management.

ADMIRER

Rohl, whose departure came after his relationship with Chansiri soured to such an extent he initially refused to report back for pre-season training, is a long-term admirer of Charles having handed him his senior debut earlier this year.

Butland’s position at Rangers remains secure for now. However, as he prepares to run 33 in March, Rohl knows that a future number one must be sourced and, given Wednesday’s perilous situation, that securing Charles’ services would not break the bank. 

The Manchester-born player, who represents Northern Ireland at international level, is likely to be among those whoever seizes control of The Owls immediately try to tie down to lucrative new contracts. So, with plenty of contracts still in South Yorkshire, Rohl knows patience might not be a virtue in this particular scenario as he looks to restore Rangers to their former glories.

Charles started his career at Manchester City before entering Wednesday’s youth programme. He won his first full cap against Belarus last year and is now recovered from the shoulder injury which forced him to miss a lengthy period of games at the beginning of the campaign.