Rangers sign Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojevic for over £4m

Rangers have finalized the acquisition of midfielder Vanja Dragojevic from Partizan Belgrade for a fee exceeding £4m. The 20-year-old has committed to an initial four-year contract at the Ibrox club, which includes an option to extend the agreement by an additional 12 months.

This transaction represents a significant investment in youth and leadership as new manager Derek McInnes reshapes the squad. Dragojevic arrives as the seventh summer signing, signaling a deliberate strategy to reinforce the team ahead of the upcoming Scottish Premiership campaign.

The Serbian international brings notable experience for his age, having served as club captain at Partizan Belgrade. He is widely regarded as one of the top defensive midfielders in the Serbian league and already holds two caps for his national team.

His arrival solidifies the midfield alongside fellow summer recruits Cammy Devlin and Dan Neil. The broader recruitment drive has also brought Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, and Ivor Pandur to the club.

The organization had previously held discussions regarding a potential move for Tromsø’s Jens Hjertø-Dahl. However, management ultimately prioritized securing Dragojevic to anchor the midfield for the long term.

Dragojevic expressed immediate enthusiasm about the transition to Scottish football. He stated, "It feels amazing, and I'm really happy and proud to be part of such a big club like Rangers."

He also highlighted the alignment in values, noting that he learned of the interest three months ago and recognized that "the winning mentality that Rangers have is compatible with my mentality."

McInnes emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition, pointing to the player's proven maturity. The manager noted, "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."

The new signing will be expected to integrate quickly as the season approaches. Rangers are scheduled to open their Premiership campaign against Dundee United on July 31, in a match broadcast live on Sky Sports.