As Niko Kranjcar completes his move to Rangers on a two year deal, Rangers News Feed’s Kyran Wallace gives his thoughts on the move…
Croatia’s stars are lighting up Euro 2016 in swashbuckling style – and I’m certain their compatriot will do the same at Ibrox this season.
Kranjcar joins Josh Windass, Matt Crooks, Jordan Rossiter, Joey Barton and Clint Hill as the club’s sixth summer signing.
Some fans remain unconvinced that, at the age of 31, he is the man to lead our attack from the midfield forward.
Personally, I think it’s a massive coup for manager Mark Warburton and his staff.
A free transfer from lowly American side New York Cosmos, the former Spurs ace brings a wealth of experience from both club and international level.
The versatile forward has represented Croatia a staggering 81 times – including appearances at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and 2008 and 2012 Euros.
Add that to 135 appearances in Croatia’s Prva HNL and the 150-plus times he’s been on display in England’s top flight and you start to get the picture of an invaluable football background.
Kranjcar has accrued nearly £12,000,000 in transfer fee’s throughout his career.
Although this isn’t always an indication of quality, reassurance comes in Harry Redknapp’s admiration for the man he signed three times.
When discussing the potential of Kranjcar and his countryman Luka Modric in 2010, he said:
“When I first took Kranjcar at Portsmouth, Slaven Bilic raved about him. They are just fantastic boys. Not a minute’s problem. They get on with it. They’ve got great football brains, great ability. They are a dream for a manager. They just enjoy playing football and are technically gifted.”
To think we’ve picked this guy up on a free isn’t bad, right? Southampton striker Charlie Austin, Kranjcar’s former teammate at QPR, was quick to tweet when he heard the news his friend was on his way to Rangers.
If rangers get nico then wow
— Charlie Austin (@chazaustin10) June 20, 2016
I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a sentimental aspect to my excitement at the Kranjcar move. Look at the Croats who have pulled on the red, white and blue in the past – Dado Prso and Nikica Jelavić.
Both went on to become fans’ favourites and there’s no reason why Kranjcar, with his undoubted quality, can’t do the same.
His capture is a sign of the times at Rangers – we’re moving in the right direction in the transfer market.
More players will arrive at Ibrox before our quest for 55 kicks off however Kranjcar signifies what the supporters already know, Rangers mean business this season!