Tom Cowan wants new Rangers contract for Borna Barisic, warns ‘he may have some other offers’
Former Rangers defender Tom Cowan has urged the club to offer a new contract to Borna Barisic.
The Croatian international is on the verge of the last 12 months of his existing deal at Ibrox, with speculation on his future ahead of the summer transfer window.
Cowan, who was at the club between 1989 and 1991, believes the former Osijek man has merited an extended stay in Glasgow with his recent form.
The former Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town player feels that Rangers need a rebuild through the spine of the team whilst the duo of Barisic and James Tavernier should remain as key players.
“I would offer Barisic a new contract, he deserves it for his performances. Definitely. I think he’s been excellent,” Cowan told Rangers Review.
“He’s not a bad defender and he’s very good going forward. He’s got a great left foot and some of the balls that he puts in are amazing so you can see why Ridvan’s not been getting a game.
“It’s whether he signs it or not. He may have some other offers, you never know what’s going on in the background.”
Player trading model
With the anticipated rebuild to follow on Edmiston Drive in the coming months, key decisions and a couple of controversial ones will need to be made on the squad.
That includes first-team players and Barisic falls into the equation. At 30 and coming into the last year of his contract, there is understandable doubt if he should be offered fresh terms.
A new multi-year deal would make no sense if Rangers are serious about a player trading model whilst they would be able to get a nominal fee should a sale be sanctioned.
A one-year extension could be on the table depending on the priorities of Michael Beale on other players. Ridvan needs to emerge from the periphery following his £3.4m switch from Besiktas, he is a player who is still to prove his credentials.
Or could the manager have his eye on a new left-sided player? An overall upgrade would be welcome but there will be pressure on the budget as it is.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale shares Rangers transfer news as ‘finalised’ message sent already.