Meizhou Hakka defender Rade Dugalic admits that he has ‘always liked’ Rangers more than Old Firm rivals Celtic but plays down his chances of a summer switch to the Scottish Premiership giants, speaking to Zurnal.
With only three months of the season remaining, Dugalic is on the charm offensive as he aims to secure what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The well-travelled centre-half, who is now in China after spells Armenia, Russia and Kazakhstan, admitted to the Daily Record recently that he was ‘desperate’ to join Rangers during the Steven Gerrard era, and remains none the wiser about why the Ibrox outfit never stepped up their interest.
Four months on, Dugalic has not given up hope of a long-awaited switch to one of Britain’s most historic football institutions. Though, at the age of 30, the 6ft 4ins colossus is hardly holding his breath.
Will Rangers return for Rade Dugalic in the summer transfer window?
“I think it’s a long way off,” Dugalic admits. “Certainly, it would be the crowning glory of my career to play in Scotland and for Rangers, who I always liked more than Celtic.”
That’s one way to win over the Gers supporters.
A new centre-half is certainly high on Mick Beale’s radar ahead of the summer but, according to The Athletic, Gerrard’s old assistant is prioritising a left-footed defender rather than a right-footed one like Dugalic. Filip Helander will need replacing; his contract expiring in July.
Dugalic, meanwhile, is not ruling out staying at Chinese Super League outfit Meizhou Hakka; his usual wanderlust offset by the comfort of life in the Far East.
“To be honest, I didn’t think much (about leaving) because it’s really great here,” says the former FC Kairat man. “We have good working conditions. That is very important for every player.
“The fans respect and appreciate you. Your every move is rewarded with applause. Here, even when you play badly, they stand by you and give you support.
“We have started preparations for the new season, and we all can’t wait for the league to start.”
