Rangers have completed the signing of Serbia midfielder Vanja Dragojevic from Partizan Belgrade.
The 20-year-old defensive midfielder captained Partizan last season at the age of 19 and made 41 appearances over the course of the campaign.
Dragojevic, Rangers’ seventh summer signing, had attracted strong interest from several Bundesliga sides in Germany and won his first two international caps this year.
After signing a four-year contract, he told the Rangers website: ‘It feels amazing, and I’m really happy and proud to be part of such a big club like Rangers. It’s a big opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.
‘I first heard (the interest) three months ago, and when I heard it I already knew it was very interesting to me because I think the winning mentality that Rangers have is compatible with my mentality.’
Manager Derek McInnes admitted he was ‘really excited’ to sign the midfielder.
Dragojevic captained Partizan last season at the tender age of 19 and has two full Serbia caps
‘He’s got huge potential, really exciting attributes, and boasts the character to play in this environment,’ said McInnes, who has already welcomed Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, Dan Neil, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and Ivor Pandur to Ibrox this summer.
‘To captain a club the size of FK Partizan at such a young age tells you everything you need to know about the respect he commands and the leadership qualities he already possesses.
‘I believe he will add a lot to our group, and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.’
Speaking after a 2-1 win over Saint-Etienne on Wednesday night, McInnes praised the Ibrox club’s approach in the market and targeted the arrival of another defender and wide man by the time they kick-off their Premiership campaign against Dundee United next Friday night.
‘I think the recruitment team have been really aggressive,’ said McInnes. ‘We’re clear on what we’re trying to do.
‘In terms of the positions we’ve identified, it’s clear for me we need a bit more in wider areas and we could do with another defender in the building.
‘We are looking quite close to completing one or two things. I certainly think we’ll be at least two in for Sunday’s game and hopefully another one next week for Dundee United.
‘The good thing for me is the recruitment team and the board are really supporting us. They’re really aggressive with what we’re doing. At least giving us a chance to get good players here and hopefully we’ll see that.’
