Rangers transfer news: ‘Strong chance’ Borna Barisic exits Ibrox amid contract talks update
There remains a “strong chance” that Borna Barisic leaves Rangers this summer despite the defender revealing talks over a new deal, according to Rangers Review.
The Croatian had dismissed “speculation” around his exit and said “I have started negotiations” over remaining with the club via the Daily Record on 7 June.
But according to the latest update the contact between the Light Blues and the 30-year-old was not necessarily a signal that an extension is on the cards.
According to Rangers Review: “Barisic’s comments, while vague, leave the door open to a possible extension but it’s understood that talks were exploratory regarding his future rather than a deal being offered.”
The emergence of £5million signing from last summer Ridvan Yilmaz is a threat to Barisic’s place, as the senior man reportedly “won’t be satisfied” with playing second fiddle.
Despite “serious interest” in the Croatian international in previous windows his current value is reduced, and with a year left on his contract a decision has to be made this summer.
Not so fast
Action one way or the other would be in the best interests of Rangers during this window if only to maintain some value and avoid another senior player leaving for free in a year’s time.
Anyone in his situation would prefer to be starting every week, but Barisic lost his place to Calvin Bassey for a decent chunk of the season before last so there’s no reason that he couldn’t back up Yilmaz if the 22-year-old wins the position battle in preseason.
Purely by dint of their relative ages and the amount spent on the younger man in the past year it is ultimately going to be the Turk’s job to lose longer-term.
So with Dujon Sterling and Adam Devine capable of filling in at the left-back spot there would be logic in accepting an offer for Barisic this summer if a suitable one comes along.
Rangers clearly need to avoid a similar situation to the one they currently find themselves in, as a whole host of contributors walk out the door for nothing so, as with John Lundstram, working out a plan ahead of time is necessary.
In other Rangers news, another senior Gers ace has been tipped to be a real asset in a transfer to the English Premier League.