Rangers striker target Nikola Krstovic admits he ‘wants to stay’ at Dunajska Streda as he sets his sights on winning the Slovakian Fortuna Liga in 2024.
While Dunajska Streda eventually finished just two points adrift of eventual champions Slovan Bratislava following an enthralling title race, no one could ever accuse the club’s talismanic top scorer of failing to fulfil his end of the bargain.
The prolific Nikola Krstovic scored 26 goals in all competitions. 18 of those came in league action. No one found the net more regularly than him.
And with an Alfredo Morelos-shaped hole in Rangers’ frontline these days – the Colombian’s departure confirmed in the week – Krstovic could be a more-than-fitting replacement. Reports have indicated that the five-time Montenegro international is valued at around £5 million, however; a fee that could rule Rangers out at a time in which so many other areas of Mick Beale’s squad are in need of reinforcement.
Can Rangers afford to sign £5m Nikola Krstovic?
Then again, potential free signings of Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling and Jack Butland would free up funds for a more expensive acquisition or two.
But even if Rangers did manage to stump up the £5 million required, Krstovic will not be rushing to pack his bags. After missing out on the title by just two points, the 23-year-old has unfinished business in Slovakia.
“I feel very good. We’ll see if I stay at the club or not,” Krstovic tells Sport.
“Certainly yes (I want to stay), but it’s hard to say anything in advance now. It is currently a good situation for me and for the club. I want to stay, but there are also several interested parties. I really can’t say more at the moment.”
Krstovic also hopes to break the 20-goal barrier for the first time in 2023/24.
“Next season, you will probably see more than 20 goals from me,” he adds.
“If we had beaten Slovan at home and then won the last two matches, we would have celebrated the title. But that’s life. You have to move on. I am 120 per cent convinced that, next season, the title will end up in the hands of FC DAC.”
Krstovic, given his track record and his vast potential, is one of the more exciting striker options reportedly on Rangers’ radar.
Jerry Yates, Joel Piroe, Josh Maja, Matija Frigan and Petar Ratkov have all been linked – with varying degrees of reliability – over the last few weeks or months.
“(Krstovic is) an excellent, talented player with huge potential,” explains Dunajska Streda coach Adrian Gula. “Strong in one-on-ones, with good orientation in the penalty area.
“He finishes with both feet, from counter-attacks and from sustained attacks. He made progress even in pressing situations. He works for the team.”