Glasgow Rangers secured their spot in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Fraserburgh at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon.
Despite the convincing scoreline, the first half proved challenging for the Light Blues as they struggled to break down the Highland League side, managing only a single goal by halftime.
Manager Philippe Clement took the opportunity to introduce young talents like Zak Lovelace, Mason Munn, and Clinton Nsiala.
In the second half, Leon King and Bailey Rice also made appearances, showcasing the club’s commitment to developing youth.
While the win was routine, Clement and his team are well aware of the tougher challenges awaiting them as the competition progresses.
During halftime, new signing Rafael Fernandes was introduced to the Ibrox faithful.
The defender joined Rangers on a six-month loan deal with an option to buy, a potentially shrewd piece of business by Clement.
However, with a busy fixture list ahead, the manager will need further reinforcements before the transfer window closes in two weeks.
One of those reinforcements could be a new addition reminiscent of Dujon Sterling.
Dujon Sterling’s Impact at Rangers
Dujon Sterling, brought in by Michael Beale as a summer signing, has quietly become a vital player under Clement’s management.
The Englishman has featured in 29 matches across all competitions, contributing one goal and two assists.
Beyond his contributions in attack, Sterling’s versatility has been a standout feature. He has played in six different positions, proving to be an invaluable asset.
In the current Premiership season, Sterling boasts impressive stats, including an 89% pass completion rate and a 57% success rate in ground duels.
His defensive reliability is evident, with an average of only 5.6 possession losses per game.
His performance against Celtic earlier this month highlighted his quality. Playing at center-back, Sterling recorded nine clearances, won two out of three duels, and was not dribbled past in Rangers’ 3-0 victory.
Given Sterling’s impact, Clement could look to add another versatile figure to the squad, with Serbian midfielder Sasa Zdjelar emerging as a potential target.
Rangers Eye Sasa Zdjelar
Earlier in the transfer window, Rangers were linked with CSKA Moscow midfielder Sasa Zdjelar.
Reports suggest that FIFA’s decision to allow foreign players to terminate contracts with Russian clubs due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has opened the door for Zdjelar’s potential departure.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, CSKA Moscow is willing to let the Serbian midfielder leave in January.
With his contract set to expire in the summer, the Russian club is open to accepting a transfer fee now rather than losing him for free later.
For Rangers, this presents an excellent opportunity to bolster their squad with a player of Zdjelar’s caliber.
Zdjelar is not only a competent midfielder but also capable of playing as a center-back—a valuable trait given Rangers’ recent injury struggles in defense.
If signed, Zdjelar could become a player similar to Sterling, offering versatility and dependability across multiple positions.
Why Zdjelar Could Be a Smart Signing
Clement has shown a preference for signing young, talented players who can develop at Rangers before being sold for a profit.
While Zdjelar, at 29 years old, doesn’t fit the usual profile, his experience and adaptability make him an attractive option.
Over his career, Zdjelar has amassed more than 400 appearances for various clubs, demonstrating remarkable durability by missing only 16 games due to injury since 2020.
Scottish football writer Kai Watson praised Zdjelar’s qualities, noting his ability to play as a defensive midfielder or center-back, which could provide Clement with much-needed flexibility.
In the current Russian Premier League season, Zdjelar has averaged 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, and 3.8 recoveries per match.
He has also won 64% of his duels, highlighting his ability to handle the physical demands of Scottish football.
His defensive solidity and adaptability would make him an excellent addition to Rangers’ squad.
While Rafael Fernandes has already joined to provide defensive cover, Zdjelar would bring additional experience and versatility.
He could step into midfield or defense as needed, ensuring Rangers remain competitive across all competitions.
Budget and Squad Adjustments
Clement’s ability to secure more signings in January will largely depend on the club’s budget.
With players like Rabbi Matondo and Kieran Dowell reportedly available for transfer due to limited playing time, Rangers could raise funds to facilitate further recruitment.
This financial maneuvering might be crucial in enabling Clement to bring in one or two additional players before the window closes.
The final two weeks of the transfer window could prove pivotal for Rangers.
Adding versatile and experienced players like Zdjelar would strengthen the squad and improve their chances of success in domestic competitions.
Clement must act decisively to ensure the team remains competitive in the face of an intense fixture schedule.
Looking Ahead
Rangers’ 5-0 victory over Fraserburgh was a step in the right direction, but the journey ahead remains challenging.
Clement’s focus on squad depth and versatility is evident, with signings like Sterling already proving their worth.
Adding Zdjelar to the mix could further enhance the team’s ability to navigate the remainder of the season.
With the transfer window closing soon, Rangers have an opportunity to solidify their squad and strengthen their position in the Premiership and beyond.
The next 14 days will be critical in shaping the team’sfortunes for the remainder of the campaign.
