‘Too much’: Rangers man admits they were willing to sell him for just £1.3m

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Rangers defender Nikola Katic admits he missed out on a permanent move to Hajduk Split because of a £1.3 million asking price, speaking to Sportske Novosti. 

The last time Katic started a Scottish Premiership game, Sheyi Ojo, Andy Halliday and George Edmondson were on the team-sheet as Rangers stumbled to a 2-2 draw away at St Johnstone in February 2020.

And, after Katic joined Hajduk Split on a loan-to-buy deal last summer, few would have imagined that he’d be back at Ibrox 12 months later, looking to make up for lost time and jump-start a career which stalled following to a cruciate ligament injury that kept him on the sidelines for the entirety of 2020/21.

Katic did feature regularly on loan at Hajduk Split last term, however, winning the Croatian Cup along the way. A permanent move proved impossible, however, due to a seven-figure price-tag.

“There was a clause; I think it was 1.5 million euros. That’s too much for Hajduk at the moment, so we didn’t even get to talking about it,” Katic says.

“Everything went great. I had a really great time in Hajduk. The season was good overall, I only have the most beautiful, great memories.”

Does Nikola Katic still have a role to play at Rangers?

Katic has featured on-and-off during Rangers’ pre-season outings under Giovanni van Bronckhorst. But, when the serious business starts, the former Slovan Belupo man will have to fight his way past Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Filip Helander and Ben Davies.

John Lundstram, Leon King and James Sands are also options for a role in Van Bronckhorst’s backline.

“I have a contract (until 2023). I played some matches during the (pre-season) preparations. There are a lot of us, there is strong competition,” Katic adds.

“I think I have the quality to play for Rangers. But, of course, it all depends on the coach. That’s all I can say. I can’t say whether I’ll stay at Rangers or not, whether I’ll sign a new contract or not.

“But I definitely believe in my qualities. I had a difficult two years. I missed the first one due to an injury. Last season, after a year of not playing, I was on loan at Hajduk.

“Now I finally have that real feeling back and I’m in a good position.”

Katic’s agent indicated earlier in the week that the 25-year-old is likely to stay at Ibrox until his contract expires next summer, albeit more out of necessity than design.

“We have not had any suitable offers from any other clubs,” he said.