With midfield reinforcements expected to arrive at Ibrox over the Summer, one name that should be on the shortlist is Igor Kharatin.
Currently plying his trade with Ferencvaros in Hungary, this is a player on the rise following a very decent breakthrough season in the Champions League with the Hungarian outfit.
The 26-year old fits the Ryan Jack ‘mould’ given his similar traits, skillset and age – he would also be an affordable acquisition for Steven Gerrard, with a Transfermarkt value of just £2.25 million.
Turkish side Trabzonspor were previously linked with Kharatin who has been capped four times by Ukraine.
Igor Kharatin, Ferencvaros and Hungary.
A contender for Rangers summer shortlist?
Some data and relevant Premiership comparisons – thanks to @CaskiePatrick pic.twitter.com/t6GkTunyse
— Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) May 13, 2021
Scottish football writer and analyst Patrick Caskie provided the following lowdown on the midfielder:
“Igor Kharatin is the living embodiment of the saying, ‘A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often better than a master of one.’ ”
“The Ukrainian would bring an impressive all-round game to Ibrox, akin to Jack or Davis.”
“In addition, Kharatin’s time in Budapest would help in the transition to Rangers as he would trade one dominant club with demanding fans for another.”
“Kharatin has all the physical tools to survive and even thrive in Scotland, whilst his technical ability should be up to the standard that Rangers require for the coming years.”
“Logistically it seems like intelligent business as the 26-year-old is entering the final year of his contract in Hungary’s capital.”
“Ferencvaros’s recent UCL exploits coupled with his Ukraine NT caps should also see Kharatin obtain a work permit relatively stress-free.”
All in, it appears that Kharatin is very worthy of consideration to add to Steven Gerrard’s midfield options given his experience, profile and likely price tag.
Ultimately, added quality is required as Rangers seek to make a Champions League breakthrough as well as pushing on domestically in Scotland.