Rangers are closing in on the signing of Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojevic, according to Record Sport. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder has already captained his boyhood club and earned his first caps for Serbia last month.
Rapid Rise to Prominence
Dragojevic became Partizan's captain at age 19, a role that came with significant responsibility at the financially troubled club. Despite his youth, he has impressed teammates and coaches alike with his steely determination. Partizan specialist and journalist Aleksander Joksic told Record Sport: "Vanja is a strong character. That is his main characteristic. He is a very, very strong character."
His performances earned him call-ups to the Serbian national team, where he made his debut in friendly defeats to Mexico and Cape Verde last month. Joksic believes a move to Rangers could accelerate his development: "Moving him to another club and signing him for Glasgow Rangers could earn him a lot of caps for Serbia. That is his goal, that is his aim."
Playing Style and Potential
Standing at 6ft, Dragojevic plays as a defensive midfielder, excelling in marking, positioning, aerial duels, and one-on-one battles. He contributed four goals in 40 appearances last season, including in the Conference League. Joksic described his role: "He's good in marking, he's good in positioning, he's good in reading games, aerial duels and one-on-one duels, chasing and disturbing another player. Yes, the dirty work you call it."
While acknowledging he is not yet a top-level player, Joksic sees huge potential: "He's a very decent young player. Very good potential. He's not yet a player on a high level - but he could become a player on a high level because of his age."
Transfer Context
Partizan are expected to cash in on two midfield assets this summer, with Ognjen Ugresic also attracting interest from Bologna and Newcastle United. Dragojevic's captaincy may have been partly aimed at raising his value, but Joksic insists his teammates genuinely support him. Rangers manager Derek McInnes sees Dragojevic as a key target, with talks ongoing between the clubs.
