Karl Hein, Rangers
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Evan Lloyd
Sat 9 August 2025 8:10, UK
Rangers are showing interest in goalkeeper Karl Hein this summer, with Arsenal open to bids for the 23-year-old.
The Estonia international has just one year left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium and spent last season on loan at Real Valladolid in La Liga.
Uncertainty surrounded the future of Jack Butland at the start of the summer, after the Englishman was dropped for the final games of last season.
But Rangers’ number one has started the season under Russell Martin and now looks set to stay at Ibrox.
Rangers target Karl Hein.
Hein spent last season in Spain (Credit: Imago)
This article contains exclusive comments from Jeorge Bird for Ibrox News.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
‘Talented’ Hein could compete with Butland
Hein joined the Arsenal academy in 2018 and has often been touted among the Gunners’ most talented young goalkeepers, even making his international debut for Estonia when he was just 18.
His first chance in Mikel Arteta’s team came in 2022, but his appearance in a 3-1 League Cup loss to Brighton is yet to be followed by a second.
Full name – Karl Jakob Hein
Born – Polva, Estonia
Age – 23
Height – 6ft 3in
Hein has spent much of the past few years around the first team, often serving as the third-choice goalkeeper, while also appearing for the Under-21s.
Last season, the goalkeeper spent his first full season on loan, making 31 appearances for Valladolid as they were relegated from La Liga.
Jeorge Bird has been covering the Arsenal academy for around 18 years, and has seen Hein’s rise through the ranks.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he said: “Hein is a talented goalkeeper, but it has been clear for some time that there wouldn’t be any opportunities for him at Arsenal.
“He conceded a lot of goals while on loan at Real Valladolid last season, but still made some very good saves and had some excellent performances.
“It is questionable whether he is ready to be the first choice yet for a club like Rangers, but he could certainly compete to be a regular starter.
“He has developed so much since first joining Arsenal and is now much more confident than he was previously. He has good reflexes and is impressive at saving penalties.”
Hein analysed – A potential successor for Butland
Still at the start of his career, Hein is not ready to start for Rangers. Instead, it is more likely that the Gers are targeting the Estonian as an eventual successor for Butland.
Hein’s strongest abilities come with the ball at his feet, where he is confident and assured, completing 5.32 long passes per 90 and attempting more than 14.
Despite his age, the 23-year-old excels when the ball is launched into the box, with strong intuition to come off his line when the time is right.
Karl Hein La Liga 2024/25 (per 90)
Pass completion (launched) 36.5%
Passes attempted 30.35
Crosses stopped 1.10
Save percentage 60.7%
Stats via FBref
Hein’s shot-stopping numbers are not impressive; in fact, the opposite. But it should be remembered that Valladolid had by far the leakiest defence in La Liga, facing more than five shots on target every game.
The Estonian is a promising young goalkeeper, and for the cheap fee Arsenal would likely sanction a deal at, would be more than worth the gamble.
Sign up for the Ibrox News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Rangers news sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts