Last month, reports from Portuguese media outlet A Bola conveyed that Rangers were keen on a summer move for Croatian midfielder Josip Vukovic. The midfielder currently plies his trade for Portuguese outfit Maritimo, a team currently 12th on the table in the Portuguese top flight.
Steven Gerrard has made wholesale changes since he took over at the club and the results are visible on the pitch as Rangers have challenged Celtic much better in this term. However, the fact of the matter is that the Bears have still some way to go before they can match their Old Firm rivals as Celtic look set to secure their 8th consecutive Premiership title.
Vukovic is a defensive midfielder by trade and the 26-year-old is a former Croatian u-19 international. The talent of the player can be ascertained from the fact that Premier League heavyweights Chelsea are also interested in his signature if recent reports from the Sun are to be believed.
Rangers recently acquired the services of Steven Davis and Glen Kamara in January. The latter has looked impressive since his debut but the former has struggled to get going in his second stint. Apart from that, Rangers have plenty of options in the middle of the park especially when it comes to a defensive minded midfielder as the likes of Ross McCrorie and Ryan Jack have shone brightly in that role in the ongoing season. However, one midfield spot is likely going to be vacated as Lassana Coulibaly’s loan spell is set to come to an end at the end of the season.
Therefore signing a defensive midfielder like Vukovic isn’t exactly a necessity for Rangers but there is no doubt that the 26-year-old will bring more quality in the middle of the park. The midfielder had joined his current club Maritimo just last summer only and has his contract with them up is until 2021.
Therefore we feel that Rangers might find it hard to lure him. Moreover, with a Premier League club like Chelsea also involved, the Bears might have to miss out on him if the Blues become serious about landing this talent.
Vukovic’s prime asset is his ability to read the game and making well-timed tackles and interceptions. To go with that, the midfielder is neat in possession and technically sound which enables him to play in the base of midfield. Rangers though should try everything in their means to pull off this signing given that Vukovic is in the prime of his career. However, we feel the odds of them signing the Croatian looks slim at the moment.
