Ex-Rangers star who was one of Steven Gerrard’s first signings ‘would like Ibrox return’ to solve defensive crisis

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CULT CLASSIC Ex-Rangers star who was one of Steven Gerrard’s first signings ‘would like Ibrox return’ to solve defensive crisis
He scored a winner against Celtic in his time at the club
Connor Steel, Casual Sports Reporter
Published: 15:36, 7 Jan 2025Updated: 15:42, 7 Jan 2025

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A RANGERS cult hero who scored in an Old Firm game ‘would like it a lot’ if he could return to Ibrox.

The former Ger – one of Steven Gerrard’s first signings – has been named as a possible option to help solve a positional injury crisis in the January window.

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Injured Rangers player Leon Balogun leaves the field assisted by a medical professional.
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Leon Balogun went off injured against St Mirren last monthCredit: SNS
Steven Gerrard giving a thumbs up.
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One of Steven Gerrard’s first signings could return to fill defensive gapCredit: Willie Vass
With Leon Balogun, John Souttar, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, and now Dujon Sterling all facing spells on the sidelines, Rangers have been forced to involve young defenders alongside Robin Propper.

A source close to the Daily Record now understands that centre-back Nikola Katic has made clear that a return to his old club would be his preferred option.

With Philippe Clement needing to include 20-year-olds Clinton Nsiala and Leon King recently, the 28-year-old could provide valuable experience and defensive cover.

Katic currently plays with FC Zurich, where he went permanently from Rangers in 2022 after a year on loan at Hajduk Split in his native Croatia.

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But 2024 saw him cast aside his Croatian allegiance, as he declared himself for Bosnia and Herzegovina, making six appearances for them since June.

This only adds further experience to his game as he had previously only made one youth international appearance for his homeland.

It’s understood his agents are in talks with several clubs including an English Championship outfit amid talks of a January exit – despite being contracted until next Summer.

A source said: “We’ve had nothing concrete yet but we’ve seen some stories in the media and of course, Niko would like it a lot if he could return to Rangers.

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“We are currently in negotiations with some clubs, one also from England.

“But if Rangers knock on the door, that would be the priority for Nikola.

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“He still has 18 months remaining on his contract in Zurich. But If it is meant for him to return to Rangers, he will be there.”

Another legendary Rangers centre-back in Craig Moore has provided his seal of approval for a Katic return, amongst other names.

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Katic was signed by Liverpool legend Gerrard in 2018 from Croatian side Slaven Belupo.

He would spend four years with the club, but only in the first two of those could the side enjoy his abilities as he was sidelined for a year with a cruciate ligament tear before a year-long loan move to return to fitness.

His Gers debut came against Shkupi in a Europa League qualifier, and his first goal shortly after in the same competition against Osijek.

In December 2019, Katic scored the winner in an Old Firm league clash at Celtic Park.

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Nikola Katic of Rangers celebrates scoring the winning goal.
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Nikola Katic celebrates his winner against CelticCredit: Getty
Nikola Katic, Rangers player, on the field.
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Joining in 2018, he played until his 2020 injury and officially left in 2022Credit: The Sun
The following season he was still part of the squad who won the league title, though he missed the entire season with his ACL injury.

Since moving away from Scotland, he’s enjoyed success and growth which would be invaluable if he were to return.

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In his loan year at Hajduk Split he played 25 times as he returned to full fitness, losing just three games.

Since making the permanent switch to Zurich, Katic has appeared upwards of 85 times, scoring seven goals and staying largely injury free.

He has also played for them in the Europa League group stage in 2022 against the likes of Arsenal and PSV, though they failed to progress.

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Between friendlies and the Nations League for his new nation Bosnia, the centre half has played against England, Italy, Hungary, Germany, and the Netherlands – although failing to win in any of them.

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After a Rangers tenure ruined by a lengthy injury, the now very experienced central defender could be what the club needs to plug their gap at the back.

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