Rangers swooped in to snatch Nikola Katic this summer.
When Rangers return from the international break, the start of their Europa League campaign will be on the horizon – and Steven Gerrard’s men face a tough task getting through their group.
After seeing off FK Shkupi, Osijek, Maribor and Ufa, Rangers have advanced into the group stage of the Europa League, meaning they will play European group stage football for the first time since 2010.
Gerrard deserves huge praise for guiding his side that far, but now he must figure out how to get his side past Villarreal, Spartak Moscow and Rapid Vienna after a difficult group stage draw.
The games against Spartak come just two weeks apart at the end of October and beginning of November, and Rangers will have the chance to show off one of their summer signings against the Russian side having beaten them to his signature.
The Daily Record noted that defender Nikola Katic’s agent was in talks about a move from Slaven Belupo to Spartak Moscow, with a move to the Russian capital seemingly close over the summer.
However, Katic noted that he wasn’t interested once Rangers swooped in and hijacked Spartak, landing the centre back’s signature on a four-year deal after Gerrard intervened.
So far, the 21-year-old Croatian has been superb in the heart of the Rangers defence alongside Connor Goldson, and the Gers will have the chance to show him off against Spartak twice in quick succession.
Katic will be looking to thrive in those games, proving that he made the right decision in picking Rangers over Spartak, both on a personal basis and collectively as the Gers look to impress in Europe.
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