According to the latest reports from the Scottish Sun, Rangers are eyeing a move for Herth Berlin’s custodian Jonathan Klinsmann. Rangers reportedly watched Klinsmann, 22, in action for Hertha Berlin’s reserve side on Friday night as they lost 2-0 to Lokomotiv Leipzig in Germany’s fourth tier. The goalkeeper is going to be out of contract soon and will be available on a free transfer.
Jonathan is the son of German football legend Jurgen Klinsmann. The 6ft4inches stopper has represented the USA at the u-23 level. Klinsmann joined Hertha Berlin in 2017, but he has faced a lot of competitions for places. The goalkeeper has made only one appearance for the senior team in his two-year spell which came in the Europa League.
Why are Rangers eyeing a move for a goalkeeper?
The Bears have two reliable goalkeeping options in the form of Wes Foderingham and Allan McGregor. McGregor took everyone by surprise, and he has been the best goalkeeper in the division even in his late thirties. Foderingham who didn’t do much wrong while playing for Rangers has had limited opportunities this season.
However, Foderingham is likely to depart from the club as he is too good a goalkeeper to remain a second choice option. Jak Alnwick is also expected to leave the club. Therefore that is the reason why the Bears are eyeing a move for a shot-stopper.
Hertha’s goalkeeper coach Zsolt Petry recently criticised Klinsmann for not working hard enough He had said that the 22-year-old had ”too much American” in him. However, his father Jurgen believes that Klinsmann junior is ready to play football at the top or second division level. He said, ”Jonathan has the class to be a No 1 in the Bundesliga or second division next season. But the club also has to have the courage to give a young goalkeeper this chance, just as Everton did with their England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.”
Is Klinsmann good enough to be a backup at Rangers?
We can’t really answer that as Klinsmann has hardly played at the top level. His father might have had a role to play in finding him a top division club. In two years, he only made one appearance for them, which suggests that he is not yet ready to play in the German top flight.
However, on a free transfer, this will be pretty much no risk signing for Gerrard, and if he feels satisfied by what the player can offer, then he can go after him. However, the club would be better off promoting someone from the academy or the fringes of the squad. Andy Firth is one player who can be tried as a second choice goalkeeper for the next season.
