Martin Fraisl insists that he ‘wants to play at a very, very high level’ as the Rangers target bids farewell to Bundesliga newcomers FC Schalke, speaking to Sky Deutschland.
After a heart-breaking end to Rangers’ Europa League journey – their continental fairytale turning decidedly Grimm towards the end – only the most ardent Celtic supporters would begrudge Allan McGregor this.
Stepping off the bench on Saturday afternoon with the Scottish Cup in the bag, McGregor’s 466th and final appearance in Rangers colours ended not in disappointment and dejection but in joy and jubilation.
And, even at 40, this living legend will not be easily replaced. There will be plenty of pressure on Martin Fraisl’s shoulders, then, if a man 11 years McGregor’s senior arrives at Ibrox with big boots – and gloves – to fill.
According to German publication Spox, Fraisl has already been offered a two-year deal at Ibrox.
And, despite helping Schalke win the Bundesliga 2 trophy, the late-blooming Austrian is now a free-agent with one of Europe’s best-supported clubs opting against extending his contract at the Veltins Arena.
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“We parted extremely cleanly, with great appreciation (for each other). We decided together that we would each go a different way,” Fraisl explains.
Alongside Rangers, Fraisl has also been linked with Norwich City.
But, with the journeyman shot-stopper desperate to play the highest level possible, it seems unlikely he would turn down Europa League football at Ibrox in favour of Tuesday night trips to Reading, Luton and Bristol City.
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“Basically, I have very good ideas about the future,” Fraisl adds. “It is important to me that the overall package fits. I want to come to a club that sees me at the top. Many parameters have to fit.
“I want to play at a very, very high level. The economic aspect also plays a role and from there (my thoughts) will go back to foreign-language countries. That much is relatively certain. I’ll consciously take my time with that.
“It will be a very good transfer.”
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