Jon McLaughlin played in 32 League One games for Sunderland this season, managing to keep 11 clean sheets. And if he had hung around, there would have been a number of clubs in England who would have wanted to sign him up as a free agent.
But still, after the expiration of his contract, the player chose to move back to Scotland and join Rangers FC, as confirmed by the Gers on Tuesday.
The official statement read: “RANGERS are delighted to announce the signing of Scotland international goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.
“The 32 year-old has chosen to join the Gers on a two-year-deal after deciding to leave Sunderland.”
Allan McGregor will unquestionably be the No 1 at Rangers next season so many people have been pondering why Jon McLaughlin chose to join the Ibrox outfit.
Speaking on this very same topic, Allan Hutton has claimed that the 32-year-old could not resist the temptation to join a big club like Rangers FC despite knowing that he will not get too much game time.
Hutton told Football Insider: “He obviously knows the Scottish league, he’s been capped for Scotland a few times so I think he’s got that experience and knowledge of the Scottish game.
“He’s been down south for a long time, Sunderland are a massive club as well so he understands what the pressure’s like.
“As it stands, Allan McGregor’s going to be the number one, no questions asked, we don’t really need to think about that. Can he go from being a number one to a number two and only playing the odd games?
“It’s a massive draw to come to Rangers, it’s another huge club – it was definitely one that’s turned his head.”
Steven Gerrard though has made a completely contradictory statement saying that Jon McLaughlin has been brought in, not to warm the benches but to provide some stiff competition to McGregor.
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 playoffs 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.”
