NafisaRangers appear to have won one of the summer’s most fiercely contested transfer races, with fresh reports from Serbia suggesting the Ibrox club have now reached an agreement to sign highly-rated Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojevic.
Derek McInnes has made strengthening the heart of his midfield one of his biggest priorities since taking charge at Rangers, and after weeks of negotiations, the Light Blues finally look set to get their man.
The 20-year-old Serbian international has been heavily linked with a move to Glasgow throughout the transfer window, with Rangers refusing to walk away despite seeing an opening bid rejected.
According to Serbian outlet Mozzart Sport, Rangers have now struck a deal worth around £4.6 million, improving on their initial offer of approximately £3.8 million, which was turned down by Partizan Belgrade. The Serbian giants are also expected to retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
The latest update comes after Dragojevic was notably absent from Partizan’s pre-season training camp in Slovenia, adding further weight to suggestions that his move to Ibrox is entering its final stages.
Partizan sporting director Radosav Petrovic recently hinted that the midfielder’s departure was edging closer.
“There are certain indications, and I believe that in the coming days we will have more concrete information. It is an offer for Vanja Dragojevic.”
Those comments have only increased expectations that Rangers are now closing in on another major signing.
Dragojevic has emerged as one of Serbian football’s brightest young talents after progressing through Partizan’s academy before gaining valuable senior experience during a loan spell with Teleoptik.
Although he initially struggled to establish himself after returning, last season proved to be the breakthrough campaign that transformed his reputation.
Despite experienced midfielder Bibars Natcho officially holding the captaincy following goalkeeper Aleksandar Jovanovic’s departure, Dragojevic regularly led the team on the pitch and established himself as one of the club’s most influential players.
The midfielder has already made 52 senior appearances, contributing four goals and five assists while impressing with his composure, defensive awareness and ability to dictate play from deep.
His blend of physicality, aggressive ball-winning and technical quality has convinced Rangers that he possesses all the attributes needed to thrive in Scottish football.
McInnes has already strengthened his squad with the arrivals of Lawrence Shankland, Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and Ivor Pandur, but Rangers remain determined to continue their rebuild before the new campaign begins.
Although Nicolas Raskin, Connor Barron, Mohamed Diomande and Tochi Chukwuani already provide strong midfield options, uncertainty surrounds several players.
Bailey Rice has departed on loan to Kilmarnock, while Jose Cifuentes and Lyall Cameron are both expected to leave permanently during the transfer window.
Meanwhile, growing interest from clubs across Europe in both Raskin and Barron means Rangers are planning ahead to ensure they are not left short in midfield should further departures materialise.
The club also continue to monitor Lewis Ferguson, Tromso youngster Jens Hjerto-Dahl and Ryan Fosso as McInnes looks to build a powerful, energetic midfield capable of driving Rangers back into title contention.
If the Serbian reports prove accurate, Dragojevic is now expected to travel to Glasgow in the coming days to complete the remaining formalities before officially becoming Rangers’ latest summer signing. His arrival would represent another significant statement of intent as McInnes continues his ambitious rebuild at Ibrox.
Nafisa
