CRYSTAL PALACE have signed Jack Butland for £500,000 – just 15 months after Stoke demanded £23million for the star stopper.
The Eagles have grabbed a bargain because the goalkeeper’s contract was due to expire next summer.
Butland, 27, would have been able to negotiate pre-contract terms in January with other clubs ahead of a free transfer next summer.
The ex-England star will now compete for a starting spot back in the Premier League under Roy Hodgson – who gave Butland his first four England caps.
Butland has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Selhurst Park.
On signing Butland, Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “We have added another experienced player of high calibre to our squad in Jack.
“It marks a really successful window for us, with five quality signings, adding great depth to Roy’s squad.”
Hodgson added: “I’m very happy that the club has managed to acquire the signature of Jack to join us and compete for a place amongst our goalkeepers at the club.
“Jack is a player that I worked with for four years at England.
“His last game for me as England manager was a very unfortunate one where he broke his ankle and that cost him his place in the 2016 Euros.
“But I’ve always believed in Jack’s potential.
“I am aware that his last spell at Stoke hasn’t been the happiest one for him.
“But I sincerely believe that with his qualities, coming to a new club will enable him to resurrect his career and show once again what a good goalkeeper he is.”
Butland is set to compete for a starting spot with Vicente Guaita and Wayne Hennessey, who is expected to be out until February with an injury picked up on Wales duty.
Stoke have signed Southampton stopper Angus Gunn on loan for the season as Butland’s replacement.
Touching moment Jack Butland FaceTimes 11-year-old kid who went viral for practising his goalkeeping in back garden
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
