Rangers are on the verge of completing a £6million deal for Croatian World Cup goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, a move that former goalkeeping coach Steve Marsella believes will make the Light Blues the number one side in Scotland. The transfer, which involves Jack Butland moving in the opposite direction as part of the fee, has been made possible by Hull City's need to sell players to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Marsella's Verdict: Pandur Is the Real Deal
Steve Marsella, who scouted Pandur and worked with him at Hull City, has no doubts about the 26-year-old's ability. "Pandur is a good, good goalkeeper," Marsella said. "When I heard that Rangers were interested I wasn't surprised. I was more surprised that Hull City was considering selling, but then I have spoken to a few people. It looks like they have to sell a player or two to stay within the Financial Fair Play rules."
Marsella highlighted Pandur's crucial role in Hull's promotion to the Premier League last season. "He didn't have an outstanding first half of the season at Hull, but in the second half of the season he really kicked in. Pandur came into his own in the second half of the season. He was a major player in getting Hull into the play-offs and even through them and into the English Premier League. He produced some big moments in the last few months to get Hull where they are just now."
Why Hull Are Selling
Hull City's financial constraints have forced the sale of top assets like Pandur. Marsella explained: "We have seen clubs lose points and be deducted in the past, so Hull City are looking to sell players to balance the books on that front. That has probably opened the door for Rangers to get Pandur. They are getting a goalkeeper who is at the World Cup with Croatia, with his best years still ahead of him."
The £6million fee is structured with around half coming from Jack Butland's valuation, who will move to Hull as part of the deal. Rangers are now in negotiations with Pandur over personal terms.
Pandur's Strengths and Experience
Marsella, a former Hibs and Inverness goalkeeping coach, believes Pandur's style suits Scottish football. "Pandur is not the biggest but he will come for the ball. He is not afraid to come off his line. He will attack the ball, if it is there to be won. I would say he is brave. He is also a good shot-stopper. He is a solid player."
Pandur has played for Rijeka in Croatia, Hellas Verona in Italy, and Fortuna Sittard in the Netherlands. Marsella added: "He has good experience in Holland and Italy. He has experience in the English Championship, so moving to Scotland and Rangers should be straightforward enough."
Docherty's Inside View
Former Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty played alongside Pandur at Hull City and witnessed his development. "Ivor came in just before I left. They brought him in from Holland. So it took him a bit of time to adjust and get into the team, but training with him every day you could see he was a very good goalkeeper. It was no surprise to see him go on and become the No.1 at Hull."
Docherty also praised Pandur's character: "Ivor is a top professional up there with the best I've seen as well as being a top guy. You also don't get into the Croatia national team squad unless you're a talented goalkeeper. So I really hope it works out for him at Rangers, if they manage to get the deal over the line. The Hull lads I still speak to say great things about him and he was a massive part in getting them promoted this year obviously. That says a lot about Pandur as a person and a goalkeeper."
Rangers' Ambition
The signing of Pandur signals Rangers' intent to challenge for the Scottish Premiership title. With his experience in high-pressure games and international pedigree, Marsella believes Pandur will bring calmness in European competitions. "So I think he would do well in the Scottish game and also bring more of a calmness when it comes to Europe," Marsella concluded.
