RANGERS are today delighted to confirm that Jermain Defoe has signed a pre-contract to join the club on a permanent basis this summer.
England international Jermain, who has 20 goals from 57 caps, joined the club last January on a loan deal from AFC Bournemouth that will run until the end of season 2019/20.
Jermain will then be clear to sign a one-year deal with Rangers in a move which will delight the fans.
From 48 games played under Gerrard at the Gers, Jermain notched 24 goals and made himself a firm favourite with the Rangers support and his team-mates alike.
Currently the seventh highest scorer in English Premier League history and sixth highest scorer in the history of Tottenham Hotspur, he has enjoyed an excellent first twelve months at the Gers.
Experienced at the highest level of football domestically and internationally and having experience playing abroad with Toronto FC in MLS, he has played an important part in sharing his knowledge with some of the younger members of the squad, who describe him as the ultimate professional.
Throughout his twenty year career, he scored 162 English Premier League goals and featured for Charlton Athletic, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth, Sunderland and Bournemouth.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard said: “It’s fantastic news. It’s something we have been working on over the weeks and it is great to finally get that done and dusted.
“He is an incredible professional with the way he goes about his work on and off the pitch – he is a credit to himself and his family.
“And also on the pitch, which is the main thing. He is still contributing heavily – he is a major part of this group, this team and this squad and hopefully, together we can go and share some success as I think he deserves that.”
Rangers Sporting Director Ross Wilson said: “Jermain is a wonderful professional and character.
Speaking about signing his pre-contract, Jermain said: “I think the smile says it all!
“I’m just delighted to be honest – when I first signed, as I’ve said many times, it was an easy decision because I have always known about the size of this football club and the history and the great players that have played for this club, so I think for it to get all sorted and for me to secure my future here for another year is really special.
“I’m delighted, my family are happy and to have an opportunity to play for this football club is special for me.”