It’s still only February and the next transfer window is a long way away, however, this hasn’t stopped an increase in rumours over the weekend.
Those that claim to be in the know have been scrambling ever since Michael Beale revealed that a goalkeeper and new number nine are the top priority in the summer.
Replacing a Hall of Fame keeper in Allan McGregor is going to be no mean fear but, then again, neither will stepping into the boots of our record European goalscorer – if Alfredo Morelos decides to leave that is.
Speaking of the devil, 🇷🇸 Petar Ratkov (19, ST) with his 6th goal of the season.
Well-timed run from deep & a good finish.
Linked to Anderlecht, Parma & now Rangers. Latest mentioned fee was 2M, but should be more by the summer.pic.twitter.com/PO6FxIp7Pa
— Serbian Football Scout (@SerbFootyScout) February 19, 2023
One of the names that surfaced over the weekend is highly rated Serbian Petar Ratkov. The 6ft 4inch tall 19-year old is a current Under-21 international for his country and is tipped for bigger things..
Obviously, with players like Ratkov, we have to rely on those who watch and scout players on a weekly basis or those who know the league and Twitter page @SerbFootyScout has been on hand to give the lowdown with a more in depth analysis to come.
• Mobile target-man, can even play out wide
• Likes to drop deep, good link-up play
• Good variation in his movement
• Unselfish, does a lot of pressing, but not yet effectivePushed back the thread when his move to Anderlecht collapsed, but it’s coming in the next month.
— Serbian Football Scout (@SerbFootyScout) February 19, 2023
Ratkov has attracted interest from Parma and was said to be the subject of a bid from Anderlecht in January. Whether we like it or not, this is the type of club we are competing for with this sort of player. Ratkov isn’t the finished article but he has enough about him to suggest that he could develop into a useful player for us and bring in decent money in the future.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE! 🚨
– Rangers are plotting a move for Serbian wonderkid Petar Ratkov. 🔥
– The striker is on the radar of top European clubs heading into the summer window. 🔎
— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) February 19, 2023
He might not be prolific – yet – but he is at the right age to not cost a fortune with a skill set that can be developed. Few strikers reach their peak as a teenager in terms of finishing and composure, Ratkov, to give you an idea of his current output, has five goals and two assists in the Serbian Super Liga in 21 appearances and has played 63 times already for TSC Backa Topola.
Along with Nikola Krstovic, Ratkov would be an exciting trip into the unknown, after all, nobody had heard of Alfredo Morelos before he arrived in Glasgow to shake things up.