Rangers fans have been awaiting confirmation of the signing of Brighton centre-half Connor Goldson, and Croatian Nikola Katic was definitely an unexpected arrival yesterday.
The Goldson deal is still ticking through and the Argus was one of many yesterday to suggest it was almost a done deal as we have apparently agreed terms on a £3.5million transfer, with the deal potentially rising to £5million for the 25-year-old.
Confirmation is in fact expected some point today, so whilst that continues ticking through, onto Katic.
📝 #RangersFC announce the signing of Nikola Katic on a four-year deal. The defender becomes their 6th signing of the summer. #SPFL #LetsGo pic.twitter.com/K3YGLbjFbr
— StatZone (@StatZone) June 12, 2018
The 21-year-old Croatian international defender joins us on a four year deal from Slaven Belupo.
The former Under 21 international is 6ft 4in and made his senior debut in a friendly against Mexico back in May 2017 and big things are expected from the youngster. With 34 games to his name last season, he actually took on captaincy duties so his mentality seems spot on.
Speaking to the Official Site as his capture was announced, he explained.
“It is a big pleasure to be here as this is one big club one of the biggest in Europe and in the world. It is good to be here and this is a big step for me. When they told me Steven Gerrard wanted to take me, I told my agent I’d get my shoes on and run to Scotland! He is a legend of football all over the world and I am glad to be here with him. It’s a big club in a strong league. I can play in Europe and play in front of 50,000 fans at every home game. It’s wonderful and a really good step for me.”
Old head on young shoulders, be interesting to see how quickly he can possibly work his way into Gerrard’s first team plans. It’s fair to say few know who he is, but that hasn’t stopped a warm welcome.
Everyone was expecting Goldson to be the 5th but this one came out of nowhere ????
— ????????CAMMY ????✋???????????? (@NewcoTom5088) June 12, 2018
Announce Goldson
— barcabears72 (@rangerseasyK) June 12, 2018
????????????????????Class.Pure class.????????????????????
— Kinsella ???????????? (@1885Kinsella) June 12, 2018
Welcome katić ????⚪️????
— Rob Stewart (@_XRS2122) June 12, 2018
No, it’s Nikola Katic
— Neil Smith (@ace1uk) June 12, 2018
The Gerrard era is in full swing now.
Beautiful ????⚪????— DougieTheDon (@DougieDon1) June 12, 2018
A very young man to pin huge hopes on. His previous clubs max gate was 3,200 so a big change for him, lets hope he goes on to be a great player for us.
— Solario (@SantiSolario92) June 12, 2018
Gerrard alone will attract players we may have otherwise missed out on, things are looking good
— Peña Cartel (@Pena_Cartel) June 12, 2018
“Ill take my shoes and run” – the boys an absolute legend!!!
— Kyle Findlay (@KFindlay15) June 12, 2018