Rangers Aim Summer Swoop For This Exciting Italian Goalkeeper: Why They Must Get It Done | OneFootball

If a recent report from Sky Sports Italia is believed to be true, Rangers are keeping close tabs on Sebastiano Desplanches ahead of a potential summer swoop. But they are not alone in the hunt, with Norwich City, currently managed by the former Gers boss Philippe Clement, also keen on having the Palermo goalkeeper at Carrow Road.

The 23-year-old former Italy U21 international spent his youth years both at Inter and Milan before being roped in by the Serie C side Vicenza in the summer of 2022. After a few Cup appearances, he was loaned out to fellow third division side, Trento, in January for regular minutes between the sticks.

Palermo secured his services in 2023, and the youngster made 21 Serie B appearances during the 2024-25 season. However, the arrival of Jesse Joronen last summer led to his loan exit to fellow second division outfit Pescara for an assured ‘number 1’ status. It was not an easy ride for Desplanches, as he conceded 48 goals in 25 outings, with the Dolphins finishing rock bottom in the league standings.

Nevertheless, the Palermo prospect demonstrated his mastery while representing the Azzurri in the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup. Italy lost the final against Uruguay, but the custodian received the Golden Glove award as the tournament’s best keeper. Although Filippo Inzaghi does not fancy him as his first-choice for the Pink and Blacks, there is no shortage of suitors for Desplanches, including Rangers, who are aiming for redemption in Scottish football under Derek McInnes.

Why Rangers Must Bolster Themselves In The Last Line Of Defence

The Light Blues have two senior names, Jack Butland and Liam Kelly, who have been challenging each other in the last line of defence. Butland restored his starting spot last season, but his distribution and lack of composure while playing out from the back have been under scrutiny time and again, regardless of some strong performances. Kelly has not done enough to feature week in, week out, and the club are now chasing a younger alternative who would emerge as their long-term successor.

DUNAJSKA STREDA, SLOVAKIA – JUNE 22: Nick Woltemade of U21 Germany in action against goalkeeper Sebastiano Desplanches and Daniele Ghilardi of U21 Italy during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Quarter-Final match between Germany and Italy at DAC Arena on June 22, 2025 in Dunajska Streda, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

Why Desplanches Would Be An Exciting Addition

Meanwhile, Rangers have been in talks with Hull City over a straight swap between Butland and their £10m-rated shot-stopper Ivor Pandur. Butland’s move in the opposite direction might bring the fee down, but a deal seems complicated in the wake of the Tigers’ promotion to the Premier League.

Desplanches, on the other hand, holds all the attributes of a modern-day goalkeeper. He is aerially dominant, press-resistant, commands the box and is comfortable in build-up play. His main weaknesses often lie in refining the physical distribution range and decision-making when facing rapid transitional counter-attacks. But the young custodian would learn how to balance when to sweep or hold his line with more gametime in goal. It remains to be seen now whether the chase for the Palermo prodigy intensifies in due time.