Rangers face a major squad overhaul this summer, and the last thing Nils Koppen and Kevin Thelwell can afford is to take financial risks. Strengthening key areas is a must, with central defence arguably the most urgent concern.
The decline in quality since the days of Filip Helander at his peak and Connor Goldson during their title-winning campaign has been stark. For minimal-risk additions, players familiar with the Scottish Premiership, European competition, international football, and Rangers itself should be prioritized. One such candidate is a former fan favourite who is now potentially available.
Following a heartbreaking final-day relegation with Plymouth Argyle, Nikola Katic is expected to return to FC Zürich with his future up in the air.
Katic still open to Rangers return after standout spell in England
Katic, who was linked with a Rangers return in January, drew attention during his short loan stint in England, notably for a standout performance that helped eliminate Premier League champions Liverpool from the FA Cup. That kind of commanding defensive display is exactly what Rangers have been missing.
While the Bosnian international may have limitations in ball distribution, when compared to someone like Robin Propper, who is more comfortable in possession, many fans would still opt for Katic’s no-nonsense defensive style. He’s made it no secret that a return to Ibrox appeals to him, and his toughness could be just what Rangers need to add grit back into their backline.
The intangible trait Katic brings
Plymouth manager Miron Muslic praised Katic not just for his abilities but for his commitment and resilience, particularly as the season wound down. Despite being on loan and facing a return to Zurich, Katic continued to push himself physically for the club.
Muslic told the BBC:
“It’s not easy when the season is ending and loan players know they’re heading back to their parent clubs—they can often lose motivation. But Nikola was the opposite. He’s a Bosnian international and had every reason to take time off and recover, yet he kept pushing for one more game. That speaks volumes. You don’t just look at stats—you need to assess character. And in January, I knew he was the right player.”
Ultimately, Katic couldn’t prevent Plymouth’s drop into League One, but his spirit and leadership stood out.
In contrast to a Rangers defence that has often looked fragile and inconsistent, Katic’s character and commitment could offer a much-needed backbone. His return may not solve every problem, but it would be a big step in the right direction.
