Striker Jermain Defoe will complete a permanent move to Rangers in the summer, following the expiry of his contract with AFC Bournemouth.
Defoe, whose existing deal at Vitality Stadium ends on 30th June, has spent much of the past two seasons on loan at the Scottish Premiership club, where he has signed a pre-contract agreement.
He scored eight times in 20 appearances after moving north of the border in January 2019 and has netted 16 goals in 28 games in all competitions this season.
Defoe, 37, first joined the Cherries on loan from West Ham in 2000/01 and memorably netted in ten consecutive games as the club went close to securing a place in the Division Two play-offs.
The popular frontman won a place in the hearts of the club’s fans after finishing the campaign with 19 goals in all competitions before going on to have a stellar career in the Premier League with West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Sunderland.
Following Sunderland’s relegation in 2017, Defoe signed for the Cherries on a free transfer and scored four important goals as Eddie Howe’s team finished 12th in the Premier League in 2017/18, ensuring a fourth successive season in the top flight.
Defoe’s first goal after his return – the winner in a 2-1 victory over Brighton at Vitality Stadium in September 2017 – saw him achieve the feat of having scored in 17 different Premier League seasons.
He played a starring role as the Cherries reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup for the second season running in 2018/19, his final appearance for the club coming in the last eight defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in December 2018.
AFC Bournemouth would like to thank Jermain for his efforts and to wish him well at Rangers.
