Rangers reportedly want Romania international Darius Olaru and FCSB coach Leo Strizu admits his side would be ‘dead’ without the star midfielder pulling the strings, speaking to Fanatik.
Where would they be without him? An answer to that particular question may soon be forthcoming.
Olaru’s contract expires in the summer of 2024 and, according to ProSport, Rangers are keeping close tabs on the silky 25-year-old as they weigh up whether or not to renew their interest in a long-term transfer target.
The side formerly known as Steaua Bucharest are currently third in Romania’s top-flight. They have won just one of the three league games that Olaru has missed so far this term, however, and Strizu has all-but admitted that FCSB would be hit harder than one of Tyson Fury’s opponents if arguably the best player in the country headed for the exit.
Will Rangers sign Romania ace Darius Olaru?
“Without Olaru we are dead,” Strizu explains. “Without Olaru in the middle, we are dead.”
A highly-technical attacking midfielder, Olaru scored six goals and set up 12 more last season. Former FCSB chief Mihail Stoica even made a comparison between the former Gaz Metan and a certain Manchester City superstar. Olaru, Stoica says, is ‘like Kevin de Bruyne’; capable of creating something out of nothing with a burst of nitrous-powered acceleration or a surgical through ball.
“He in very good shape,” adds former Hungary international Vasile Miriuta tells Playsport. “At this age (of his career), he should play abroad. I’m talking about a top team. He is in the best shape of his life.”
Olaru was named the Romanian League’s 2022 Player of the Year recently. But, with just one year remaining on his contract, FCSB may have little choice but to sell if Rangers firm up their interest. Possibly for a cut-price fee below his reported £5.5 million asking price.
Then again, it remains to be seen if there is sufficient room at the Ibrox inn. Any deal for Olaru may be dependent on whether Malik Tillman stays or goes; the Bayern Munich loanee facing an uncertain future.