According to a recent report by Sportske Jutarnji, as has been translated by the Daily Record, Premiership giants Rangers are said to have made contact over the potential acquisition of Croatian U-21 international full-back Marijan Cabraja. The report suggests that the Ibrox club are keeping tabs on him, with the view of a possible transfer in the future. The player himself has conceded that there has been talk of a move to Rangers. This claim was backed up even further by the player’s agent as well, who said that a January move away from his current club is a possibility.
Although the report has clarified that Rangers are interested in Croatian defender Marijan Cabraja, whether or not he chooses the Ibrox as his next destination is something that remains to be seen. Speaking on the matter, the player said, “It is true that Rangers are following me, contact has been established but it all depends on how the situation with Borna Barisic develops. I don’t believe that the Scots will pay as much as Gorica are asking for, but let’s leave that aside now, the only thing that matters to me is how we will play in Split on Sunday.”
What Is Rangers’ Current Left-Back Situation?
The Ibrox club boast what is arguably the strongest roster in the entirety of the Premiership, with Old Firm rivals Celtic the only other team in the division who can even come close. Although this applies to every single position on the pitch, left-back is one spot where the Hoops could have a slight advantage. Celtic have the services of both Diego Laxalt and Greg Taylor to call upon in the left-back role, and that’s the kind of situation Gerrard will be eager to have. Instead, Rangers’ two full-back options are Croatian international Borna Barisic, and highly-rated yet unpolished youngster Calvin Bassey.
There’s no need to even begin questioning the quality that Barisic brings to the table. The fact that he starts for the Croatian national team on a regular basis alone should be enough to highlight just how important his presence is to the Ibrox club. Although there isn’t too much concern among the Rangers faithful about the current situation of Barisic within the club, if he was to leave the club at some point, then they would need to act quickly to replace him. Calvin Bassey, as good as he’s been in glimpses, needs a lot more time before being a first-team quality player.
What Makes Marijan Cabraja A Good Option For Rangers?
The youngster is one of the most highly-rated full-backs in the European game at the moment, and his agent has already clarified that he’s been receiving enquiries about his availability every day. While many European teams have been touted to be keeping tabs on him, it has been suggested that there is lingering interest from the MLS as well. Cabraja currently plays for Gorica, and his ball-carrying skills have been a feature of his play. Despite being just 23, Cabraja offers a solid defensive presence when required to as well.
Rangers Are Interested In Croatian Defender Marijan Cabraja: Should Gerrard Go For It?
The 23-year-old Croatian has been touted for big things, and if they’re able to sign him up, it would have to be considered quite the coup. As things stand, Barisic is undoubtedly the number one choice. But, if the Croatian international was to depart at some point, they would be left extremely shorthanded. Signing Cabraja would put an end to such a worry, and allow Steven Gerrard’s men to function at full-flow, even if they were to lose an important player.
