Rangers handed Zinedin Smajlović boost as Celtic back out of the race – club official has now spoken out
Rangers have been handed a significant transfer boost in their pursuit of Swedish defensive talent Zinedin Smajlović, with arch-rivals Celtic reportedly withdrawing from the race for the 22-year-old’s signature. As the Gers prepare for a massive squad overhaul this summer, the Sandefjord centre-back has emerged as a serious target – but the club’s sporting director has now broken his silence on the player’s future.
With defensive departures looming at Ibrox, manager Derek McInnes is prioritising a complete rebuild of his backline. The Light Blues have already secured the services of Ross McCrorie following his loan spell, but that is viewed as merely the first piece of the puzzle. Club insiders suggest that at least three more defensive additions are being targeted before the window slams shut, alongside reinforcements in midfield and attack.
Enter Zinedin Smajlović – a 22-year-old Swedish centre-half currently plying his trade in Norway’s Eliteserien with Sandefjord. Standing at an imposing 6ft 2in, the young defender has caught the attention of scouts across the UK with his composure on the ball, aerial dominance, and surprising pace for his size. But what makes this story particularly intriguing is the sudden shift in the Old Firm transfer battle.
Celtic pull out – what changed?
For weeks, speculation had linked both Rangers and Celtic with a move for Smajlović, with the Hoops reportedly monitoring his progress closely. However, according to Celts Are Here, the Parkhead side have now completely withdrawn their interest, effectively handing Rangers a clear run at the player. While no official reason has been given by Celtic, sources suggest that the club’s recruitment team have shifted focus to more experienced, readymade options – a move that has left the door wide open for their Glasgow rivals.
This development has been met with delight among the Ibrox faithful, who have watched their team lose key defensive figures in recent windows. With Connor Goldson ageing, Leon Balogun out of contract, and Ben Davies failing to convince, the need for young, high-potential talent is more pressing than ever.
Club official breaks his silence
Sandefjord sporting director Matteus Bardsen has now publicly addressed the speculation surrounding Smajlović, and his comments have done little to dampen rumours of an impending departure. Speaking to Norwegian media, Bardsen confirmed that the club are actively preparing for life without their Swedish star, though he stopped short of confirming a deal is done.
“Our ambition is to take big steps as a club, and to achieve this, buying and selling is an important part of our strategy,” Bardsen stated. “The signing of Devon Koswal does not have to mean that Zinedin will be sold in this window, but it is more about being ahead of the curve as a club. We are in a position where we must not sell anyone.”
The arrival of Koswal – another promising defender – has raised eyebrows in Norway, with many interpreting it as a direct replacement for Smajlović. While Bardsen downplayed that narrative, his admission that the club are “ahead of the curve” suggests they are bracing for an offer they cannot refuse. With Sandefjord operating on a modest budget compared to Scottish Premiership giants, a six-figure or low-seven-figure bid from Rangers could prove too tempting to turn down.
Have Rangers made their move?
According to the same source, Rangers have already initiated contact with Smajlović’s representatives, registering their keen interest in the player. However, a formal bid has yet to be tabled. This cautious approach aligns with the club’s new transfer strategy under the American ownership group, who have taken a markedly more measured stance compared to previous regimes.
In years gone by, Rangers were notorious for taking punts on unproven foreign talents – think of the likes of Filip Helander, Niko Katic, or even earlier gambles such as Bilel Mohsni. While some paid off, far too many ended as expensive mistakes that left managers picking up the pieces. The current hierarchy, led by CEO James Bisgrove and recruitment chiefs, have vowed to adopt a data-driven, experience-first model.
That said, Smajlović does not quite fit the “experienced starter” mould. At 22, with just over 50 senior appearances to his name, he remains a project – albeit a highly promising one. But that does not mean Rangers are out of the race. In fact, the club are believed to be weighing up a dual approach: signing a proven, battle-hardened centre-back (similar to the Lawrence Shankland model on the attacking front) while simultaneously securing Smajlović as a long-term developmental asset who can be gradually integrated.
The Shankland precedent and the new recruitment philosophy
The mention of Lawrence Shankland in connection with Rangers’ current transfer policy is telling. The Hearts striker, who has been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox, represents the archetype of the “ready now” signing – a player with Scottish Premiership experience, proven goal-scoring pedigree, and the physicality to handle the demands of Old Firm fixtures. Shankland, like McCrorie, would walk straight into the starting XI.
Smajlović, by contrast, would likely be eased in, used in cup competitions and rotational fixtures while he adapts to the physicality of Scottish football. But that is not necessarily a negative. Under, who has a track record of developing young defenders at Club Brugge and AS Monaco, the Swedish star could flourish into a future Ibrox mainstay.
The smart money is on Rangers making a move – but only at the right price. Sandefjord are believed to value Smajlović in the region of £800,000 to £1.2 million, a fee that is well within Rangers’ budget. With Celtic now out of the picture, the Gers hold all the cards. They can afford to negotiate patiently, knowing that no rival bidder is lurking.
What would Smajlović bring to Ibrox?
For fans eager to know more about the player, Smajlović is very much in the modern centre-back mould. Comfortable stepping out from the back, he averages over 80% pass completion and ranks highly for interceptions and clearances in Norway’s top flight. His versatility is another asset – he has operated comfortably in a back four and a back three, offering tactical flexibility.
Furthermore, his Swedish nationality adds a layer of intrigue, given the rich history of Scandinavian players at Ibrox – from the legendary Richard Gough (though born in Sweden to Scottish parents) to more recent cult heroes like Jonas Thern and Bojan Djordjic. Smajlović has already expressed a desire to test himself in the UK, and with Rangers now leading the chase, a summer move appears increasingly likely.
Conclusion
While nothing is signed and sealed just yet, the signs are overwhelmingly positive for Rangers. Celtic’s withdrawal, Sandefjord’s pre-emptive recruitment of Koswal, and Bardsen’s open acknowledgment of their “buy to sell” strategy all point towards a deal that makes sense for every party. The only remaining question is timing – will Rangers act swiftly to secure their man, or will they wait until later in the window to drive down the price?
One thing is certain: the Ibrox recruitment team are leaving no stone unturned as they plot a squad revolution. Zinedin Smajlović may not be a household name today, but if Rangers play their cards right, he could become a defensive cornerstone for years to come – and all without Celtic standing in their way.
