NafisaThe transfer market rarely follows a straightforward script, especially when multiple clubs across Europe identify the same emerging talent.
Promising young defenders are attracting more attention than ever, and it often only takes one standout season for competition to intensify and transfer fees to rise rapidly.
Rangers have been working tirelessly to reshape their squad under Derek McInnes, with defensive reinforcements remaining high on the club’s list of priorities.
While several additions have already arrived at Ibrox, recruitment is far from complete as the Light Blues continue searching for players capable of strengthening the back line ahead of another demanding campaign.
One defender who had attracted significant attention from Scotland now appears destined for a different destination.
Rangers have missed the opportunity to land highly-rated defender Zinedin Smajlovic from Norwegian outfit Sandefjord.
Last month, reports suggested Rangers had contacted Sandefjord to gather information about the Swedish youth international, who had also attracted serious interest from Celtic.
Italian journalist Rudy Galetti claimed the Scottish champions had submitted an offer worth £3.8 million, along with an additional £1.7 million in potential bonuses, for the 22-year-old central defender.
Despite the interest shown by both Glasgow clubs, neither side has managed to secure his signature.
Instead, Greek heavyweights Olympiacos have reportedly reached an agreement with Sandefjord on a superior financial package.
Smajlovic has featured 10 times for the Norwegian side during the 2026 Eliteserien season, producing performances that have steadily increased his reputation across European football.
Olympiacos win the race
According to Swedish outlet Expressen, Olympiacos will pay an initial £4.2 million for Smajlovic.
Should all performance-related clauses eventually be triggered, the overall value of the transfer could rise to approximately £5.1 million.
That means Celtic’s proposal was not dramatically short of the figure ultimately accepted by Sandefjord.
However, the Olympiacos package is reportedly the biggest transfer agreement in the Norwegian club’s history.
Expressen also states that, barring any unexpected complications, Smajlovic is expected to travel to Greece shortly to complete his medical before finalising the transfer.
For both Rangers and Celtic, it represents another example of how fierce competition across Europe can quickly alter transfer plans.
Rangers continue defensive search
McInnes remains determined to strengthen his defensive department before the new Scottish Premiership campaign gets underway.
Since the conclusion of last season, Rangers have already added Ross McCrorie and Ben Godfrey to provide greater solidity at the back.
Even so, the club’s recruitment work in defence is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the window.
Among the alternative options being monitored is Excelsior Rotterdam defender Casper Widell, who has emerged as another player of interest for Rangers.
French side Troyes’ highly-rated youngster Sankhoun Diawara has also been linked with a move to Ibrox, continuing Rangers’ strategy of targeting promising young centre-backs from across Europe.
Although Smajlovic now appears set for Greece, Rangers are unlikely to dwell on the setback for long as McInnes and the recruitment team press ahead with identifying the next defensive addition capable of making an impact in Glasgow.
Nafisa
