Borna Barisic and John Lundstram could both now quit Rangers amid ‘huge overreaction’ – Barry Ferguson
Barry Ferguson believes both Borna Barisic and John Lundstram may not sign new deals at Rangers as they may be feeling their time at Ibrox is up amid huge fan expectations.
Writing for the Daily Record (28 July), Ferguson noted how the pair had been at Ibrox long enough to understand the high expectations from Rangers fans, but now must decide if they are willing to fight for their place in Michael Beale’s side as they enter the final year of their contracts.
While Ferguson admits his perhaps “huge overreaction”, he claims such pressure is essential for Rangers players if they want to succeed at the club, and the pair must make a decision.
Ferguson said: “Ask Borna Barisic and John Lundstram who have been around here long enough to know how it works but who are now getting it in the neck because they’ve not quite been up to speed. There are now questions being asked about whether or not they should be moved out this summer as both are entering into the final years of their contracts.
“They’ll have to decide now if they want to sign new deals to stay and fight for a place in the team. Or if it’s starting to feel as if their time here is up.
“But given these guys were an integral part of the team that reached a European final just two years ago, it’s a clear sign to the new players of the standards that will be demanded of them now they’re here in Glasgow.
“Yes, it might seem like a huge overreaction but that’s the way the big ball bounces up here and it’s your job to get used to it. Quick.”
High pressure
Ferguson understands the high expectations of the Ibrox faithful. Fans expect everything to be left on the pitch otherwise it is not good enough.
Lundstram and Barisic have been quality servants to the club, helping the side to the Europa League final just two seasons ago and have given their all for the shirts.
But as they approach the final year of their contacts, they may be eyeing up opportunities elsewhere.
Rangers have had a tough start to their pre-season matches, losing 2-1 to Newcastle and 3-1 to Olympiakos at Ibrox. So, despite the influx of new talent, Rangers fans may be slightly worried going into the next season.
Ferguson discussed the new signings’ need to perform under the mass pressure at Ibrox that they’ll “never have experienced before”, and perhaps having learned players like Lundstram and Barisic will go a long way in helping the new faces settle into the club.
But after Lundstram’s two years and Barisic’s five years with Rangers, perhaps they may seek a slightly lower-pressure environment. Rangers are clearly looking to rebuild this summer with multiple new signings including Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers, so perhaps now is the time to depart for them.
However, given their experience with the club, they may be vital in helping the new signings integrate into the squad and help teach them the expectations that come with wearing the Rangers shirt.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton has criticised a Rangers star after an incident in a pre-season friendly.