Olimpiu Morutan’s next generation could be the Middle East with the one-time Rangers target seeing a potential return to Italy from Galatasaray ruled out by his agent.
During his time at Romanian giants FCSB (the artist formerly known as Steaua Bucharest), Olimpiu Morutan was likened to Lionel Messi due to his penchant for cutting inside from the right onto his left boot.
‘Messy’ would be a fitting description of the situation the Romania international finds himself in during the summer of 2023, too.
Morutan was outstanding on loan in Italy during 2022/23 – the dribbling, goalscoring tower of Pisa SC – but his hopes of a £5 million permanent move collapsed when the Nerazzuri fell well short of the promotion spots.
“Pisa wants to keep him, but that’s almost impossible,” agent Giovanni Becali tells Sporx.
Rangers unlikely to make new Olimpiu Morutan move
So, where next?
Rangers reportedly enquired about 24-year-old Morutan around 18 months ago. Mick Beale’s side could yet be tempted to renew their interest, especially on the back of an outstanding campaign in Italy which earned him the admiration of one Andrea Pirlo. But the chances of that happening look slim; Abdallah Sima arriving from Brighton and Fashion Sakala rebuffing the advances of Saudi Arabian clubs.
Could Morutan instead end up boarding a flight initially intended for Sakala?
“Morutan is a sought-after football player these days. He had a good season in Pisa, his performance opened the door to important opportunities. ,” Becali adds, opening the door to a money-spinning Middle Eastern switch for his client.
“Morutan is in the Champions League qualifying squad at Galatasaray. He has a chance to prove himself there. If (coach) Okan Buruk does not keep him, he has very good options in Europe and the Gulf.”
Sima and Sakala will be hoping to nail down the right-wing spot in Beale’s system next season. Ianis Hagi and Rabbi Matondo may have something to say about that too, however.
