RangersMedia

Transfer Window Review: January 2012 Wednesday, 01 February 2012 16:30 Written by croatianbicycles

Love it or hate it, the January transfer window always guarantees drama.

It’s obvious where I start: the sale of star striker Nikica Jelavic on deadline day. Jelavic moved to Everton for an undisclosed fee, a move which he believes to be the next stepping stone in his career. When Nikica signed for the club, he stated that he was using the club as a stepping stone to showcase his talent in front of the prying eyes of the English Premier League. Ultimately that’s why he left; he wanted to compete in one of the world’s top leagues.

With his intentions known from the beginning (unlike some recent players…), Jelavic leaves with the best wishes of a majority of the fans. 
Bringing in Jelavic from Rapid Vienna in the semi-obscure Austrian Bundesliga for approximately £4 million was an investment made by Rangers. It has paid off; the club have made a profit on the Croatian hitman. In my opinion it is something we should do more often, but discussing that in detail is a debate for another day.

Norwegian youngster Thomas-Kind Bendiksen also ended his stay in Glasgow by returning to Tromso in his homeland. Bendiksen only made a handful of appearances for the champions, all of which were in the final months of his contract. The 22 year-old received praise for his performances from pundits and supporters alike. His influence was telling in the Champions' 2-0 win against Hibs at Easter Road in early December, Thomas coming off the bench to be involved in Rangers two goals. Despite the best efforts of the club, Thomas rejected the contract offer, electing to return home in search of more first team football.

Deadline day also saw the departure of defender Jordan McMillan. Having only made a handful of appearances, the one time star of Blue Heaven moves to SPL strugglers Dunfermline on an 18 month deal. McMillan was a popular figure amongst the fans, with many feeling he wasn’t given the chance to prove himself. When called upon, McMillan did well, but at the stage he is at in his career he needs first team football; something Dunfermline will give him. 

Summer signing Juanma Ortiz, has rejoined former side Almeria on loan, after failing to cement a first team place.

John Fleck, Kal Naismith, Darren Cole and Kyle Hutton have also departed the club on loan, with the youngsters joining Blackpool, Partick Thistle and Dunfermline Athletic respectively. 
Whilst it is important for the younger players to get game time- an opportunity a loan move gives- you can’t help but question the temporary departure of young players on the fringes of the first team, John Fleck, especially. A negative view, perhaps, but the club are horribly short in attacking options. Again, that’s probably a debate for another day…

Mervan Celik was the only signing made by Rangers this window. Yes, that’s right, just one signing. Despite all the departures, including our top goal scorer.
Swedish U21 internationalist Mervan joined the champions on a free transfer from Swedish side GAIS, signing a three and a half year deal. On a positive note, Mervan could be a little ray of sunshine. He’s received several plaudits and has been tipped to go on to big things. Like Jelavic, Mervan will most likely use the club as a stepping stone into the English Premier League. As briefly touched upon previously, bringing in and selling on is arguably the way forward. But again, that’s a debate for another day.

Overall in regards to a “review” of our performance in the transfer window, it is negative. Perhaps I’m just caught up in the emotions of yesterday- the selling of Jelavic and the failure to replace him may really come back to haunt us. I guess time will tell, but if we fail to win the league, it will be where people point the finger.