Rangers show serious interest in £2.5m rated Croatia U21 star Marko Soldo who thrives under pressure
12/10/2024 05:30 AM
The January transfer window is right around the corner and Rangers must get their business spot on.
Nils Koppen will be under the microscope next month when signings can officially be made having moved into the role of technical director and away from recruitment chief only.
Still, the Belgian’s remit has only increased and he will have to get the big decisions correct in tandem with manager Philippe Clement and what he wants from his team moving forward.
Rangers News can exclusively reveal one player the Ibrox outfit are seriously interested in and have watched more than once.
That player is Croatian under-21s midfielder Marko Soldo who currently plies his trade with NK Osijek.
The 21-year-old, Rangers News understands, is of interest to Koppen and the rest of the scouting team who continue to do their due diligence on the playmaker.
It is understood Soldo could be available for between €2-3million.
Rangers are interested in NK Osijek midfielder Marko Soldo
The versatile star was used in the wide areas last season before moving back to his preferred central role and this term has become a valuable asset for Osijek with six goals – including one against Lokomotiva last weekend – and four assists from 22 appearances.
He also has experience with Osijek in Europe with the Conference League which would likely stand him in good stead with the pressures at Rangers to compete on all fronts.
And he counts Gorika and Dinamo Zagreb among his other former clubs.
Soldo would be arriving in Glasgow – should the club wish to make an official move – as one of a number of options in the midfield.
What position does Marko Soldo play and where would he start for Rangers?
His priority would be to offer a more defensive shield between back to front. That would offer the likes of Mohamed Diomande the opportunity to play further forward as well as Nico Raskin.
Gers fans will be familiar with NK Osijek having plucked both Borna Barisic and Eros Grezda from the club.
They both joined from the Croatian club as Rangers have a history of scouting in that region.
We told you how £5million-rated Marko Bulat was also a Rangers transfer option last year.
Soldo would offer much better value for money than another target, Damian Garcia, who might have been priced out of an Ibrox switch.
What Marko Soldo has said about playing under pressure
Osijek in Soldo’s homeland are constantly looking to compete for titles and trophies as well as European football.
And what the playmaker has said in the past about joining the club from Zagreb proves he understands pressure and what it takes to move up the ladder in terms of clubs and the amount of scrutiny.
When joining Osijek back in the summer, Soldo said: “When the call from Osijek came, I realised that this was the best possible option I had at the moment.
“The feeling upon arrival was fantastic, for me this is certainly a new experience and a real challenge, unquestionably a much higher level than before.
“The expectations are significantly higher, as is the responsibility of every player, including me, so I will have to be the best I know and can be on the field. I am ready to show it, confirm my playing qualities and I can’t wait for everything to start.
“Here I found the best conditions a player can have in Croatia and I am looking forward to working at that level because I am a true professional myself.
“For a young footballer who wants to work and make a breakthrough, this is the ideal situation.”
Soldo is contracted until 2027.
