Rangers have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Serbian midfielder Sasa Zdjelar, as former CSKA Moscow manager Aleksandr Tarkhanov has urged the Russian club to sell him this month.
The Gers are keen on signing the 29-year-old as manager Philippe Clement looks to strengthen his midfield options, with efforts already underway to offload several surplus players at Ibrox [Daily Mail]. Zdjelar could become available on a free transfer, thanks to FIFA regulations allowing foreign players to terminate contracts due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. However, Tarkhanov has suggested CSKA Moscow should cash in on the player during the January window.
“CSKA should probably sell Zdjelar to Rangers,” Tarkhanov told Championat, as translated by Rangers News (12 January). “The management must decide whether he will benefit the team or if it’s better to sell him now. If he doesn’t want to extend his contract, selling him to Rangers is the logical move. Zdjelar is not a standout star, and there are many players of his level.”
Rangers Given the Green Light for Zdjelar
Clement faces mounting pressure in Glasgow, with the optimism of a 3-0 win over Celtic at the start of the year tempered by the challenges ahead. January is expected to be a crucial month for recruitment as the Light Blues aim to address weaknesses in the squad while remaining cautious about repeating the mistakes of the summer transfer window.
Zdjelar fits the profile of a smart acquisition. Capable of playing both as a midfield anchor and in defense, his versatility could prove invaluable for a Rangers side grappling with an injury crisis. However, the competition for his signature is stiff, with interest reportedly coming from German clubs.
To secure Zdjelar, Rangers must act quickly and decisively to bring the Serbian international to Ibrox and bolster their chances of a strong second half the season.
