Yesterday, Giovanni van Bronckhorst spoke about the future of Niko Katic and all but confirmed that the player’s future lies away from Ibrox.
The Dutchman gave an honest appraisal of the situation concerning the Croatian defender but what he did say, as well as what he didn’t, points to an almost inevitable conclusion.
Gio was asked about the towering central defender during the press conference ahead of the Aberdeen game tonight, to which he responded:
“He’s playing a lot now, that’s the main thing you want when players go out on loan. I know Ross (Wilson) talked with him in this window but for us, it was never a possibility to bring him back so hopefully, he will continue to develop himself as a player.”
“At the end of the season, we will discuss what the squad is going to be for next season but he is a player who is playing so it’s a different situation for him than for Cedric (Itten).”
The contrast in the reference made to Cedric Itten was stark.
Now the Swiss is back in the fold and expected to be involved at Aberdeen – on the other hand, Katic is out of sight and unfortunately out of mind.
The tone of Gio’s words and the description of the situation given means that there will be no other outcome ahead, unless something remarkable happens, as unlikely as that is. VitalRangers understands, as was made public by Rangers back in August, that the club did have a recall option for Katic in this window but that option has not been taken up.
You can draw your own conclusions but a parting of the ways is destined in the near future for a player who will be fondly remembered for his application and attitude, as well as that special moment at Parkhead in December 2019.