Nikola Katic backed for Rangers comeback after £3m decision – pundit
Alan Hutton has insisted Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst must “cast an eye” over centre-back Nikola Katic during pre-season after his return to Ibrox.
The former Gers defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old could have a part to play amid the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Calvin Bassey and Leon Balogun.
As reported by Football Scotland (24 May), Van Bronckhorst is set to give Katic the chance to impress in pre-season training, with his loan side Hadjuk Split unlikely to trigger their £3million purchase clause.
Katic, who last played for Rangers in March 2020, made 25 appearances for the Croatian giants during the 2021-22 season.
The Croatia international is contracted until May 2023.
Hutton suggested utilising Katic could end up saving Rangers “millions” in the transfer market.
“There’s no reason why he can’t come back,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“Why not give him the pre-season and let Van Bronckhorst cast an eye over him?
“He has been an outstanding player, but it’s just injury which has made it a really difficult time for him.
“The fact of the matter for Rangers is this. Bassey could go, and Balogun is out of contract and could go.
“To replace these guys is going to cost millions. To have Katic sitting there and available – why would you not have a look at him?
“There’s no need to make a decision too early.”
Katic has made 59 total appearances for Rangers, scoring six goals.
The defender joined the Ibrox club in 2018 for a reported £2million.
In other news, English club plot move for Rangers starlet despite Van Bronckhorst decision.