Why NK Osijek striker Mirko Maric would be a smart signing for Rangers

Balkan football journalist Flip Mishov (h/t The Scotsman) claims Rangers are keen on NK Osijek striker Mirko Maric.

Mirko Maric, 24, is the most prolific player in Croatia. He has hit 16 goals this season, including 14 in the HNL.1, and is the leading scorer in the Balkans country. Last season, the 24-year-old scored 18 goals & registered 7 assists in 35 games.

However, Flip Mishov (h/t The Scotsman) adds any deal for Maric is unlikely to happen in January, with NK Osijek unwilling to sell their star striker.

Rangers, meanwhile, are currently second in the Scottish Premiership table with two points separating them from leaders Celtic. The Gers, though, would be confident of their title chances, especially after beating the Hoops in December.

Earlier this month, Gerrard has said that there will be limited movement into Ibrox in this transfer window, with a few players expected to leave the bloated squad.

Regardless of what happens as far as the outgoings are concerned, Rangers must try adding competition and cover for Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe.

In Alfredo Morelos, the Gers have one of the best young strikers across Europe. The Colombia international is leading the line for Rangers and spearheading the club’s push to land the Scottish Premiership title. He has regularly got amongst the goals both in Scotland and in the Europa League.

Jermain Defoe has acted as a back-up to Morelos and while the former England international has done a commendable job, an injury or suspension could leave Gerrard in trouble. That’s why the Gers must go all out to sign Mirko Maric in January.

Rangers have been known to dip into the Croatian market in recent times after signing Borna Barisic, Nikola Katic and Eros Grezda. Maric is the latest name to be linked with Rangers and he certainly has the required qualities to thrive in the Scottish Premiership.

Standing at 6ft 2in, the 24-year-old is aerially strong and can hold up the ball in tight areas. Maric is hard and will give Rangers a different dimension to their attack. 

The striker is known for his intelligent movement, and he seems to have a natural instinct in front of goal. The two-cap Croatia international’s awareness and finishing skills are his standout assets.

In the video below, one could get a glimpse of Maric’s style of play and qualities he could bring to the Ibrox if a move goes through.

Read more

• Why Rangers offloading Eros Grezda is an ideal move by Gerrard
• Why Steven Gerrard must get the best out of Glenn Middleton
• Why Rangers signing Olivier Giroud would be a top-class move

Verdict

Given his goalscoring exploits for NK Osijek, Maric would undoubtedly be a top addition for the Gers. It would be a major coup for Gerrard if he can get the Croatian striker’s signature this month.