Rangers have secured the services of defender Nikola Katic, as the Croatian international joins from Slaven Belupo, the club has confirmed.
Sky Sports reported earlier that a fee had been agreed between the two clubs, thought to be around the £2million mark, but now the deal is done, with the club announcing it on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon:
? @RangersTV subscribers can now watch an exclusive interview with new signing Nikola Kati?.
? WATCH NOW: https://t.co/SHn2P3PAAk
? SUBSCRIBE: https://t.co/FVbn5yUf7V pic.twitter.com/eIjo4k2IP6— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 12, 2018
The 21-year-old is Rangers fifth summer signing, having already finalised deals for Ovie Ejaria, Scott Arfield, Jamie Murphy and Allan McGregor.
Katic was the subject of interest from Russian outfit Spartak Moscow, but instead opted to move to Glasgow, where he can continue to progress his budding career.
OPINION
This could be an absolute bargain for Steven Gerrard. Nikola Katic is an upcoming talent, who was able to break into the talented Croatian team at the end of the season. The 21-year-old has youth, power and earns respect from his team-mates, having already been chosen as a club-captain at his young age. It is obvious that Gerrard wants to strengthen the spine of his Gers side, and Katic fits that bill. Standing at 6’4 [Transfermarkt], the Croatian will be able to sure up what was a leaky defence last season and could look to the experience of Bruno Alves to help him develop as a player. This signing is a statement of intent from Gerrard, who is moving swiftly to address the areas of weakness amongst his squad, as he looks to end Celtic’s reign of supremacy in the Scottish Premier League. Katic now has the entire summer to adjust to life in Glasow, as well as grow some chemistry with his Rangers teammates. You have to applaud Gerrard for getting the deals done so early.