“Club Urged to Sell Midfielder to Rangers in January Move to Ibrox”

For some, CSKA Moscow should seize the opportunity to cash in as Rangers reportedly consider bringing Sasa Zdjelar to Ibrox.

 

For others, losing Zdjelar at this point in the season—when CSKA sits sixth in the Russian Premier League but remains within striking distance of the top—would be nothing short of a disaster.

 

What truly matters, however, is CSKA’s stance on the matter.

 

According to the Daily Mail, Rangers are competing with German clubs for the 29-year-old Serbian midfielder.

 

There is a possibility, albeit slim, that a transfer could occur without a fee.

 

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a FIFA ruling allows foreign players in Russia to terminate their contracts and move on free transfers.

 

 

This mirrors Manor Solomon’s 2023 switch from Shakhtar Donetsk to Tottenham Hotspur.

 

However, Zdjelar has expressed a desire to remain with CSKA.

 

Speaking to TASS months ago, he described the club as his “home” and indicated he would prefer to stay.

 

A nine-time Serbia international, Zdjelar may require significant persuasion to leave Moscow, regardless of external circumstances.

 

Yet, with his contract expiring this summer, there is an argument that CSKA should capitalize on the situation now.

 

If an extension cannot be agreed upon, Zdjelar could walk away from the VEB Arena for free in a few months.

CSKA Moscow Urged to Sell Zdjelar

 

Former CSKA coach Aleksandr Tarkhanov believes the club should seriously consider selling Zdjelar to Rangers. Speaking to Championat, Tarkhanov said:

 

“CSKA should probably sell Zdjelar to Rangers. The management must decide if he will benefit the team and whether a contract extension is worthwhile.

 

“For now, the club has an opportunity to earn money on him.

 

If he does not want to extend his contract, he should be sold.

 

Zdjelar is not such a star that we should be overly concerned about his departure. There are plenty of players at his level.”

 

Replacing a defensive midfielder like Zdjelar, especially one nearing 30, may not be as challenging as finding a replacement for a star striker or goalkeeper.

 

Zdjelar, who previously played for Olympiakos and Partizan Belgrade, has started only 11 of CSKA’s 18 Russian Premier League games during the 2024/25 season.

 

Divided Opinions on Zdjelar’s Departure

 

Not everyone shares Tarkhanov’s pragmatic outlook.

 

Former CSKA player Vladimir Ponomarev views Zdjelar’s potential departure as a significant setback for the team.

 

“The Serb is a very good and reliable midfielder,” Ponomarev said.

 

“Losing him could be a disaster. His defensive contributions are critical to the team’s success.”

 

Zdjelar is not the only midfielder Rangers are monitoring.

 

According to Rangers News, Philippe Clement’s side is also considering NK Osijek’s Marko Soldo.

 

The Croatia Under-21 international has excelled in an advanced attacking role this season, recording six goals and four assists—a personal best.

 

However, his ability to play in defensive positions makes him a versatile option for Clement, who values adaptability.

 

Rangers have also shown interest in Varazdin midfielder Leon Belcar. However, a move to Ibrox appears unlikely after Belcar recently extended his contract.

 

The contrasting views on Zdjelar’s importance highlight the complexity of CSKA’s decision.

 

 

While some argue for a practical approach, others emphasize the midfielder’s reliability and influence on the team’s overall performance.

 

Whether Zdjelar stays or goes could have a significant impact on CSKA’s fortunes this season.