The 4th Official
·16 February 2023
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Yahoo sportsThe 4th Official
·16 February 2023
Amid the recent rumour (as reported by the Romanian outlet Pro Sport) surrounding Darius Olaru’s potential summer move to Rangers, Steaua Bucharest owner Gigi Becali has opened up on the future of the prized asset as well as the rising sensation of Romanian football.
“No one is leaving, there is no question.”
Said the FCSB supremo in response to Sport Media’s (as claimed by the Daily Record) query. In a recent interview, the 24-year-old midfield ace fuelled speculations by expressing his desire to move abroad in the forthcoming future. However, Becali’s comments might complicate a £4.4m transfer even though his current deal runs down in the summer of 2024.
Rangers have been monitoring Olaru’s game for quite some time and are expected to do so in the upcoming fixtures. The Romanian progressed through the academy ranks of Gaz Metan Mediaș before breaking into their senior side and is currently playing a key role in FCSB’s title hunt. So far he has appeared 117 times in Roș-albaștrii’s colours, including 33 outings this season across competitions.
Darius Olaru
Predominantly a ‘number 8’ who prefers to operate in a box-to-box role as the chief ball carrier, Olaru is also comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker. With 28 goals and 38 assists in his career [stats via Transfermarket], the midfielder has depicted his creative spark while occupying the ‘number 10’ or wide midfield spots.
The Light Blues bolstered themselves in the centre of the pitch by roping in Nicolas Raskin in the winter window. It is indeed a massive boost for Michael Beale who has lost veteran Steven Davis for the remainder of the campaign. The 38-year-old sustained a double ACL tear just before Christmas, and it remains to be seen whether he plays again for the Glasgow giants.
Although John Lundstram and Glen Kamara are there to slot in the middle of the park, the club is yet to decide on Ryan Jack’s future. The Scotsman will be a free agent in the summer, also the Gers must think twice before converting James Sands’ loan deal into a permanent one. New York City would demand £4.7m for the versatile USMNT star – a fee that sounds unreasonably high for someone who has been deployed sporadically by the new gaffer.
Having said that, it won’t be straightforward for Rangers to convince Becali. He is expected to play hardball but, at the same time, should allow the player to experience a new challenge elsewhere. FCSB tied him down for a minuscule €600k sum, and therefore, must secure a significant financial profit over losing him for nothing a year later.