NafisaWith pre-season preparations entering a crucial phase across Europe, clubs are beginning to finalise some of the transfer business that has been months in the making.
Managers are eager to have the bulk of their squads assembled before competitive football returns, and that has sparked a flurry of activity in recent weeks as negotiations intensify behind the scenes.
At Rangers, Derek McInnes has wasted little time putting his stamp on the squad since taking charge at Ibrox. The Light Blues have already welcomed several fresh faces through the door, but recruitment has shown no signs of slowing as the Scottish giants continue searching for players capable of strengthening their options across multiple positions.
Supporters have watched the club move aggressively throughout the summer, with experienced additions arriving alongside younger talents viewed as long-term investments. Despite the impressive business already completed, Rangers are still believed to be working on further deals before the transfer window closes.
One position that has remained under close scrutiny is central midfield, where the club have been exploring opportunities across Europe in an effort to add both quality and depth. Among the names consistently linked with a switch to Glasgow is one of Serbian football’s brightest young prospects.
Rangers edge closer to Vanja Dragojevic breakthrough
Rangers have reportedly taken another significant step towards securing the signing of Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojevic, with the Serbian outfit appearing to line up a replacement for the midfielder.
The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the Ibrox club’s leading transfer targets this summer, although negotiations have proven far from straightforward.
Reports suggest Rangers previously submitted an offer worth around £4.3 million, only for Partizan to reject the proposal as they continue holding out for a package closer to £5.5 million, alongside future sell-on clauses.
However, developments in Serbia indicate the Belgrade side may now be preparing for life without their captain.
Partizan have completed the loan signing of Timothy Ouma, the 22-year-old Kenyan international who arrives from Czech champions Slavia Prague after spending last season on loan with Lech Poznan.
The midfielder has now been drafted in for the remainder of the campaign, a move widely viewed as strengthening Partizan’s options in the middle of the park while speculation surrounding Dragojevic’s future continues to grow.
According to reports emerging from Serbia, the club have become increasingly resigned to losing their skipper during the current transfer window.
Those reports have only gathered momentum after Dragojevic was left out of Partizan’s recent pre-season fixtures, further fuelling suggestions that discussions over a transfer remain ongoing behind the scenes.
Although Rangers have yet to meet the Serbian side’s full asking price, the latest developments are likely to encourage optimism among supporters that an agreement could eventually be reached before the window shuts.
The Light Blues have already demonstrated their willingness to invest this summer, and McInnes remains keen to continue reshaping his squad with players capable of making an immediate impact while also offering long-term value.
Rangers continue busy summer rebuild
Should the move for Dragojevic eventually cross the line, he would become the latest addition in what has already been an eventful recruitment drive at Ibrox.
Rangers have already strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Ivor Pandur, Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil, Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin and Ben Godfrey ahead of the new season.
Each signing reflects the club’s intention to build a competitive squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts, while also restoring consistency after a period of significant change.
Dragojevic’s age, leadership qualities and growing international reputation make him an attractive option for Rangers, with many believing he possesses the potential to develop into one of the club’s standout performers should the transfer be completed.
For now, negotiations continue, but Partizan’s decision to recruit another central midfielder has only strengthened the belief that the Serbian captain’s time at the club could soon be coming to an end. If Rangers can bridge the remaining gap in valuation, McInnes may yet land another major signing before competitive action gets underway.
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