Rangers target Darius Olaru is coming under fire for his FCSB displays with former Romania international Basarab Panduru labelling the midfielder ‘extremely ineffective’, speaking to Orange Sport.
Olaru was recently named the Romanian top flight’s 2022 Player of the Year. His form in 2023, however, has left a lot to be desired. In his last nine games, the 25-year-old playmaker has produced one assist and no goals.
Hardly the sort of displays that will see those Kevin de Bruyne comparisons return with a vengeance.
Olaru was subbed off at half-time during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Craiova after suffering the after-effects of a recent illness. But, as Panduru quips, this is not the first time Olaru has looked like a man under the weather during a difficult run of form.
Rangers target Darius Olaru struggling at FCSB
“In terms of performance, Olaru has been ‘cold’ since the beginning of the season,” says the one-time Benfica man. “To change the captain in the 46th minute hurts everything.
“In terms of performance, it has been cool since the beginning of the championship. I mean, let’s be fair, I always appreciate the runs and that he makes. I said that maybe, and thanks to him, FCSB is here (in the play-offs).
“He compensates with his runs, he helps out the defence. I appreciate these things, but he is extremely ineffective.”
Rangers, ProSport say, plan to scout a long-time transfer target during the play-offs over the next few weeks, with FCSB one of six clubs in contention for the Romanian title.
Olaru produced six goals and 12 assists last term. His tally, however, has dropped to one and six respectively in 2022/23.
Olaru’s contract expires in 15 months’ time; his market value standing at around £5 million. Whether Rangers opt to step up their interest may depend on whether Malik Tillman, so impressive since his arrival on loan from Bayern Munich, ends up inking a permanent contract at Ibrox.
