Reinforcements may face Ibrox side after Osijek make double swoop
NK Osijek have made a late double swoop for Brazilian defender Gutierrez Tomelin and Slovenian full-back Erik Janza, and both could be thrown straight into their Europa League clash with Rangers tonight.
The Croatians have been hit with a series of injuries ahead of their visit from Steven Gerrard’s side. But they have moved to first snap up 27-year-old stopper Tomelin, from Polish club Jagiellonia Białystok.
Osijek can register Tomelin as one of two wild card entries by Uefa up to 24 hours before the kick-off.
Tomelin, who won a Brazilian Serie B medal with Figueirense, made 17 starts last term in Poland’s top league and has played more than 50 times for Jagiellonia Białystok.
Osijek were struggling defensively after losing Goran Milovic to KV Oostende and Matea Barac to Rapid Vienna in the summer.
But Tomelin has arrived to give them much-needed reinforcements at the back ahead of facing the Ibrox side.
Osijek also announced the signing of Slovenian international left-back Janza. The 25-year-old has moved from Viktoria Plzen but was recently on loan at Cypriot club Paphos. Both players have signed three-year deals. 0 Erik Janza, right, in action for Slovenia, has been signed by NK Osijek on a three-year deal and may line up against Rangers.