Rangers were always going to have a busy summer in the transfer window as Philippe Clement began the rebuild.
The squad has a younger, fresher look to it, however, there are still gaps that need to be addressed by the manager and Nils Koppen.
One of those is at the base of midfield where Rangers could target a deep-lying playmaker who was previously on Steven Gerrard’s shopping list.
Rangers can address No.6 problem with Dejan Ljubicic
Currently playing for Koln in Bundesliga 2 after being relegated from Germany’s top flight, Dejan Ljubicic is a name that will be familiar to those with good memories.
The 6ft 3inch tall powerhouse scored against Rangers in the Europa League to end any hopes of progress in 2018 and obviously caught the eye as his contract ticked down when he was linked to Rangers in 2020.
Capable of playing at centre-half too, Ljubicic is a technician, rather than simply a destroyer.
With two goals and two assists in his eight league appearances this season, Ljubicic has shown that he can contribute at the sharp end of the pitch too.
He is also free to talk to other clubs in January.
Why didn’t Rangers sign a No.6 in the summer?
Rangers recruitment director Koppen addressed Clement’s claims that a No.6 was considered in the summer and, in fairness, he has a point:
“Connor Barron has started really well, and you have Nico Raskin in that position too,” said Koppen.
“Maybe we could have signed a No.6 this season and pushed again and again over the limit financially, but then do you also kill the value of the players you have in that position?”
“There are so many factors attached to all the decisions you make. You have to consider the overall picture. The cost, the other players in that position and the long-term strategy.”
It’s hard to argue against Barron and Raskin being two of Rangers best players this season.
Had a more experienced midfielder came in, they might not have played as often.
This doesn’t mean that such a clear and obvious signing as Ljubicic shouldn’t be made though.
