Full Breakdown
Ivor Pandur’s Move to Rangers: From Hull Promotion Hero to Ibrox First-Choice
7/24/2026, 2:04:16 PM
Core Event – Transfer and Debut
Croatian goalkeeper Ivor Pandur completed a £6 million move from Hull City to Rangers in the summer of 2024, swapping places with England international Jack Butland, who joined Hull for £3 million. Pandur debuted in a pre-season friendly against Saint-Étienne, a 2-1 win at Ibrox, and was handed the No. 1 jersey vacated by Butland.
Background & Context – Hull Success and Rangers Ambition
Pandur spent two and a half seasons at Hull City, playing a starring role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. Rangers recruited him as part of a broader overhaul aimed at challenging for the Scottish Premiership and European spots.
Key Figures & Groups
- Ivor Pandur – 26-year-old Croatian goalkeeper, former Hull City first-choice, now Rangers No. 1.
- Allan McGregor – Goalkeeping coach at Ibrox.
- Derek McInnes – Rangers manager, who confirmed Pandur as the new first-choice keeper.
- Jack Butland – England goalkeeper, exchanged for Pandur.
- John Lundstram & Kieran Dowell – Former Hull teammates who advised Pandur.
Timeline
- Early 2024 – Hull City win promotion; Pandur features prominently.
- Summer 2024 – Rangers sign Pandur for £6 million; Butland moves to Hull.
- Pre-season 2024 – Pandur debuts in a 2-1 friendly win over Saint-Étienne.
- Upcoming – Rangers prepare for their Premiership opener at Tannadice.
Data & Statistics
- Transfer fee: £6 million (Rangers).
- Counter-transfer fee: £3 million (Butland).
- Pandur’s age: 26.
- Duration at Hull: 2½ years.
- Ibrox capacity: ~51,000.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Derek McInnes said the goalkeeper provides a “safe pair of hands” and fits the club’s ambition to compete for trophies. Pandur noted advice from former Hull teammates and Antonio Colak reinforced his belief that Rangers offered the right environment for his development.
Why It Matters – Impact on Rangers and Pandur’s Career
Pandur brings recent promotion experience and international exposure from Croatia’s World Cup squad. Working with Allan McGregor should aid his development, while Rangers gain a keeper ready for the pressures of a title challenge. For Pandur, the move shifts focus from battling for Premier League minutes at Hull to targeting silverware in Scotland.
What’s Next – Upcoming Fixtures
Rangers will face Dundee United at Tannadice in their Premiership opener next Friday, marking Pandur’s first competitive league appearance for the club. The match will test his integration into the squad and his ability to meet the expectations of the coaching staff and fans.
