We all love a good transfer rumour, especially at this time of year when clubs can actually do something about it. Even better when it is a striker.
There’s never been a more perfect example of why Rangers need to find a reliable, fit, consistent option than Sunday’s league cup semi-final with Aberdeen. Alfredo Morelos started, linked play well but never really looked like scoring, Kemar Roofe came off the bench, scored the winner and then got injured – whilst Antonio Colak looked on from the stand.
So far, the names have been uninspiring with Lyndon Dykes, Lawrence Shankland and Ross Stewart all mentioned. Kevin Nisbet is on form and has just a year left of his contract but he is now being linked with a move across the city. The only other player mentioned who quickly became way out of our reach was Casper Tengstedt, who has just cost Benfica €7million plus €2.5m in add ons.
OFFICIAL: Benfica have signed striker Casper Tengstedt from Rosenborg for €9.5m on a contract until 2028. pic.twitter.com/5XVIBTq8X1
— Transfer News Central (@TransferNewsCen) January 12, 2023
One day I would like to think that Tengstedt could be the sort of player we can afford to bring in but we aren’t there yet.
What we can do though, is sign the likes of the Denmark international before they make their big move and an interesting name has been doing the rounds on social media – Nikola Krstovic.
The 6ft tall Montenegro international currently plays for Fortuna Liga in Slovakia and, with 19 goals and five assists in 27 appearances, is showing the sort of promise that is worth a gamble – similar to the one we took with Alfredo Morelos.
Having come through Red Star Belgrade’s academy, the 22-year old has found his feet and been scoring goals regularly over the last few seasons, 70 already in his senior career, it’s also an area of Europe that we have recruited from before, albeit with mixed results.
If we are keeping an eye on Krstovic we will need to move fast, a quick look at his highlights reel suggests that his career is only going in one direction.