Rangers loan player 'set for surprise January recall' as possible replacement lined up

Rangers were already resigned to being without Neraysho Kasanwirjo for the rest of the season but the injured defender now looks set to depart Ibrox altogether amid reports that his parent club are planning to recall him.

The 22-year-old joined Rangers on a season-long loan from Feyenoord at the end of August in a deal which also included an option to make a permanent switch in the summer. He made 11 appearances in Govan, however, his season was cut short when he suffered a serious knee injury in November while playing for the Dutch Under 21s against England at a time when he was beginning to hold down a regular place in Philippe Clement's side.

Rangers' on-loan defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo is to be recalled by Feyenoord, according to reports. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group) | SNS Group

Kasanwirjo was expected to remain on Rangers books for the rest of the season, however, in a surprise development, the crocked defender now looks poised to return to Feyenoord in January.

Loan rules in the Netherlands only allow six players to be farmed out to foreign clubs at one time, and the Eredivise outfit are currently at the maximum limit. It is claimed that recalling Kasanwirjo from Rangers will allow Feyenoord to send unwanted winger Luka Ivanusec to Dinamo Zagreb.

It will also free up a wage for Rangers to bring in a replacement with reports linking the Ibrox club with a move for Serbian international Sasa Zdjelar. The CSKA Moscow man, who can play in both midfield and defence, could be available on a free transfer after Fifa granted foreign players the right to end their contracts with Russian clubs due to the war in Ukraine.

Zdjelar has been capped nine times by Serbia and reports from Russia claim that Rangers have already enquired about the 29-year-old's availability this month, with clubs in Germany also interested. He won the Greek title with Olympiacos in 2015-16 and also played in the Champions League. He also has Europa League and Conference League experience from his time at Partizan Belgrade, where he was captain.