Hadjuk Split’s sporting director Mindaugas Nikolicius has spoken out amid transfer confusion involving Rangers defender Nikola Katic.
Katic secured a move back to his homeland on deadline day, joining the Croatian giants on a season-long loan.
However, the wording of the announcements from the two clubs raised questions about the specifics of the transfer.
Rangers described the deal as a loan with an option to recall in January, while Hadjuk presented it as a loan with an option to buy in the summer.
It wasn’t a unique issue, with Cedric Itten’s deadline day move to Greuther Fürth worded the same way by the clubs involved.
Now, Nikolicius has provided more information on Katic’s switch.
“The contract is a loan with the offer of a recall,” he said [Scottish Sun]. “We can do the same, that’s the way these things happen in loan deals like this.”
“Nikola had other offers. He is a big signing for Hajduk. A great defender who can get his way into the national team if he plays well for us and returns to the level he was at when he was with Rangers.
“He is feeling good and is fully fit. He has been in full training for several months already. I think our fans will love him.”
There’s still some ambiguity here, but it’s clear that Rangers haven’t relinquished control over Katic’s future.
The 6ft 4″ centre-back is contracted at Ibrox until 2023 and it seems that he could still have a future in Glasgow if his performances in the Croatian top flight are up to scratch.
Rangers’ approach with the fan favourite may also be impacted by other circumstances. Injuries to other defenders could prompt a recall in January, while Steven Gerrard may want to hold onto the 2018 signing if Connor Goldson fails to sign a contract extension in the coming months.
In other transfer news, a £5m-rated Rangers-linked player has completed a loan move to an English club.
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