Rangers may be in the market for a holding midfielder this summer, but the injury to Nikola Katic may just leave them having to consider a rethink.
Katic will now be out for at least six months after a major knee injury, and Rangers may need to focus on finding a temporary replacement ahead of targeting a midfielder.
There is of course a chance that Rangers instead sign a defensive midfielder who can also play at centre back, offering flexibility and depth in both areas.
One such player was linked with Rangers last week. The Daily Mail reported that Rangers have ‘discussed’ moving to sign Rapid Vienna star Dejan Ljubicic.
The Austrian has experience of playing at centre back despite predominantly being a holding midfielder, meaning he can bolster Steven Gerrard’s midfield options whilst being able to cover for Katic’s injury.
At 22, Ljubicic has major potential too, and even scored against Rangers in a 2018 Europa League clash, so it’s no great surprise that he is on the radar.
Now, Rapid Vienna sporting director Zoran Barisic has told Krone that he hopes to keep hold of Ljubicic, but can’t truly rule out a deal even if there is no rush to sell anyone.
“I hope so,” Barisic said. “Anything can happen. There is currently no concrete offer, only loose inquiries. There will be no emergency sales. The economic situation is challenging, but I would be stupid to put price tags on my players,” he added.
Ljubicic is allegedly valued at around £2million, and if Rangers can find that kind of cash, he certainly ticks a number of boxes.
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