Rangers were linked with a host of midfielders in the summer, a mixture of power defensive midfielders and creative playmakers, Nicolas Raskin eventually arriving over a year after we first saw his name mentioned.
Another name was Darius Olaru, the Romanian international who, as reported by PRO Sport, had a £5million price tag put on his head by the manager of Steaua Bucharest:
“Who wants to give this money (£5m)? Rangers?
“I am not discussing Olaru now. An offer may also come today from Real Madrid, from Barcelona and offer me anything. I don’t argue. Olaru is not for sale now.
“From Friday we resume the discussions, let’s see how we will be then. But for now, no one is leaving, no one is coming.
“Let us get into groups and then we will discuss differently. Maybe a player will leave, but I will certainly bring reinforcements so that we can face it on all levels.”
Rangers added Tom Lawrence and Malik Tillman but both are more attack minded. The Welshman can play as a number eight domestically but is more suited to operating in forward areas.
Writing on Twitter, Alex Scout, who covers Romanian football, has suggested that there could be a return for the 24-year old in the summer:
Darius Olaru 🇷🇴 (CM, 1998) again linked to #Rangers.
Apparently, a transfer this summer would be possible. The sum would be around €5M, like an offer supposedly received this winter (1+4). Still a rumour, but a realistic and interesting transfer for everyone if it ever happens. https://t.co/mRb1KZaSiz pic.twitter.com/BKXvPt6WWx
— Alex Scout (@AlexScoutRo) February 8, 2023
Rangers midfield has been stale for some time and, as things stand, Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield and Steven Davis will all be out of contract in the summer, it makes sense to bring in younger players who are better suited to what Michael Beale is trying to achieve. We’ve already seen with Todd Cantwell what sort of difference having a more dynamic and progressive midfielder can bring to our attack, maybe Olaru will be next.