Rangers Weighing Up Summer Move For This Croatian Centre-back: Why They Need Him At Ibrox | OneFootball

If a report from the Croatian outlet 24sata (as quoted by The Daily Record) is believed to be true, Rangers are eyeing a summer swoop for Luka Jelenic. But they are not alone in the hunt, with the Portuguese outfit Vitoria Guimaraes also keeping close tabs on the Osijek defender.

The 25-year-old former Croatia youth international spent his academy years with Dinamo Zagreb, but failed to secure a first-team status during his time at Maksimir. He then had his stints with Inter Zapresic and NK Varazdin, and eventually secured a €800,000 transfer to Osijek last summer. His towering presence in deep defence earned him a regular role across competitions, and the Gers, who enjoyed great success with Borna Barisic, could now raid the White and Blues for another emerging star.

Rangers are eyeing a rebuild under Russell Martin, who replaced Barry Ferguson as the Ibrox boss following the much-anticipated Andrew Cavenagh-led 49ers Enterprises takeover. However, the former Southampton manager, as well as Kevin Thelwell, their newly appointed director of football, must accelerate the summer business before next month’s UEFA Champions League qualifying-round contest against Panathinaikos.

Why Rangers Must Tie Him Down

The Light Blues are also weighing up an ambitious move for Conor Coady as they plot a significant reinforcement in the heart of the backline. Leon Balogun has left the club upon the expiry of his contract, thus leaving a void in terms of experience and expertise. Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Rafael Fernandes failed to stake a claim due to form and fitness woes and have been sent back to Feyenoord and Lille, respectively.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 22: Russell Martin of Rangers reacts during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hearts at Ibrox Stadium on April 22, 2018, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Clinton Nsiala deputised at times amid injuries to first-team stars, but the young Frenchman needs more time to attune to the aggression and physicality of Scottish football. Despite his flexibility across the defensive third, Dujon Sterling had his season disrupted by persistent injury problems. While the Englishman remains a decent utility option, Martin is unlikely to rely on him as his first-choice centre-half.

Rangers, therefore, are left with John Souttar and Robin Propper as the outright central defenders. The latter could not cope with the grind and demands, and therefore, could return to FC Twente once he gets clarity over his future. Souttar had a minor surgery after his international duty with Scotland, and is now facing a race against time for the Panathinaikos fixture.

Although the gaffer is hopeful to have him back for the tie, snapping up Jelenic should restore the depth and quality, considering his aerial and physical presence, calmness, composure and the ability to play it out from the back. His traits should see him succeed under Martin, who must aim to build his own identity in the blue half of Glasgow.