GLASGOW, June 30, 2026. Rangers are on the verge of securing Ivor Pandur as their new No.1, with the Croatian goalkeeper set to become Derek McInnes’ third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Ross McCrorie and Ben Godfrey.
The £6m deal, which would see Jack Butland move in the opposite direction to offset approximately half of the fee, has been made possible by Hull City’s need to balance the books ahead of Financial Fair Play regulations . The Tigers, preparing for life in the English Premier League, have been forced to cash in on one of their prized assets to avoid potential penalties .
Marsella: ‘He will make Rangers No.1 in Scotland’
Former Hibs and Inverness goalkeeping coach Steve Marsella, who scouted Pandur and remains a long time admirer, has backed the 26 year old to thrive at Ibrox. Marsella watched Pandur’s development closely during his time in England and believes Rangers are acquiring a goalkeeper at the peak of his potential.
“Pandur is a good, good goalkeeper,” Marsella said. “When I heard that Rangers were interested I wasn’t surprised. I was more surprised that Hull City was considering selling, but then I have spoken to a few people. It looks like they have to sell a player or two to stay within the Financial Fair Play rules.”
Marsella, who has extensive knowledge of the Scottish game, added: “Pandur is not the biggest but he will come for the ball. He is not afraid to come off his line. He will attack the ball if it is there to be won. I would say he is brave. He is also a good shot stopper. He is a solid player. I think he would do well in the Scottish game and also bring more of a calmness when it comes to Europe.”
Second half surge propelled Hull promotion
Pandur’s form in the second half of the season proved instrumental in Hull’s promotion push, with the Croatian international producing a series of decisive performances as the stakes grew.
“He didn’t have an outstanding first half of the season at Hull, but in the second half of the season he really kicked in,” Marsella said. “Pandur came into his own in the second half of the season. He was a major player in getting Hull into the play offs and even through them and into the English Premier League.”
“The games got bigger with every passing week and Pandur just seemed to get better and better. I don’t think they would have sold him if they didn’t need to because Pandur would have been a big player again for them in the Premier League.”
Former teammates vouch for character
Former Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty, who played with Pandur during his early months at Hull, offered further endorsement of the goalkeeper’s qualities.
“Ivor came in just before I left. They brought him in from Holland. So it took him a bit of time to adjust and get into the team, but training with him everyday you could see he was a very good goalkeeper,” Docherty said.
“It was no surprise to see him go on and become the No.1 at Hull. Ivor is a top professional up there with the best I’ve seen as well as being a top guy. You also don’t get into the Croatia national team squad unless you’re a talented goalkeeper.”
With Pandur currently at the World Cup with Croatia, Rangers are now working to agree personal terms with the 26 year old, who brings experience from spells at Rijeka, Hellas Verona and Fortuna Sittard. For McInnes, the signing would represent a statement of intent as the Light Blues look to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title.
Reporting by Azuka for Betandsured.com
