Rangers, the Scottish heavyweights, witnessed a massive downfall in 2012 but fought back and did well to promote themselves in Premiership after spending four seasons in lower leagues of Scottish football. They, however, are now way behind of great rivals Celtic in terms of quality and dominance in the top tier but determined to continue the upsurge and closing the gap in order to reclaim the lost throne.
Since their return to Scottish Premiership under Mark Warburton, the Light Blues made a number of high-profile signings to compete against the Hoops and veteran Niko Kranjcar was one of them who made a switch from NASL side New York Cosmos. But he failed to serve the purpose due to the succession of injuries and the club has now terminated his contract by mutual consent with three months left in his current deal to rule out.
RANGERS can today confirm Niko Kranjcar’s contract has been terminated by mutual agreement.
A club statement confirmed the release of the Croatian midfielder who served his nation with distinction and appeared 81 times for The Blazers. Injuries, however, hindered his career towards the end and the former Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur star failed to adapt to the attacking flair of Scottish football. A knee injury last season ruled him out and the player sensed his days were numbered at Ibrox when asked to play for the reserves after returning to fitness. Although he was featuring regularly earlier this season under Pedro Caixinha, Kranjcar’s was quite an underperformer in the middle of the park as he failed to orchestrate the game from the centre stage.
“Myself and Rangers Football Club have come to a mutual agreement to terminate our common contract.
“It’s been an honor to have been part of such a big club and to have played for such great fans, it will always remain an honor for me.
“I wish the club success in its future while I now consider the options I have on the table.”
The player confirmed the same via club’s official website and is now a free agent weighing up his options where to move next.
Murty, the former caretaker gaffer, has been promoted as club’s new manager since the dismissal of Caixinha. He is concentrating on developing young talents, handing them senior game-time and building for the future to reignite the rivalry with Celtic. Kranjcar,33, thus had no future with the Gers and the club has now parted ways with the Croatian to draw an end to his disappointing stint in Scottish football. The midfield attacker is long past his prime and might be forced to hang up his boots unless he finds a new destination prior to the next campaign.
Rangers had a fruitful winter window with several loan recruits and are concentrating on making the moves of Sean Goss, Jason Cummings, Jamie Murphy and Russell Martin permanent in summer. There are multiple midfield resources set to come back from lengthy injury spells ahead of the next season and the Gers may hope for a better title challenge from the 2018-19 campaign onwards.
