Borna Barisic ‘annoyance’ at Rangers over international break as exit verdict issued
A move may be the “most likely option” for Borna Barisic amid “annoyances” during the international break for Rangers, according to Dean Jones.
The former Eurosport journalist spoke to GIVEMESPORT (11 September) to say that with the Croatian being linked with an Ibrox exit in January it “does make sense” for him to head to Dinamo Zagreb as he enters his 30s if the option is available.
The left-back missed the 1-0 Old Firm derby defeat to Celtic (3 September) having come off in the 5-1 loss at PSV Eindhoven earlier in the week but has played twice for his country during the break, including the full 90 minutes on Monday (11 September), so Jones suggests there will be “frustration” at Rangers as a result.
Jones said: “These are the sorts of dilemmas and annoyances that get thrown up during international breaks, and I’m sure there is a sense of frustration around Rangers.
“Now, he is being linked with a transfer for January, and if there is no serious development on the contract front soon, then you wonder if a move is the most likely option.
“A move to Dinamo Zagreb as he gets into his thirties does make some sense, and given how things have gone recently, it could be that looking at this as a moment to move on from him will be the right option.”
Overdue
Barisic has been a lightning rod for criticism for at least two seasons now, and with Ridvan Yilmaz brought in a year ago as his expected replacement it is a surprise that this debate is still ongoing this far down the line.
His delivery from the left is so good that there remains mileage in playing him against weaker opposition that sit back against the Light Blues, especially with the young Turk proving so injury prone.
But his all-round game is too often is found wanting defensively and Dujon Sterling has now been signed as potential cover at his position as well.
The endless links to an exit that have still not happened have made it all the more frustrating that Barisic is currently in line to follow the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent in never actually netting the club a financial return before he leaves for nothing.
All the same the suggestion that an extension to his expiring contract could yet be on the cards [Mark McDougall, 6 September] doesn’t feel like the right answer either.
It is unlikely that Barisic has actually been ducking big games at his club as some have been suggesting, but the time felt right for a parting of the ways a year ago so if there is anyone in for him now or in January then a deal likely should be investigated.
In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart has reacted after a controversial Ibrox signing was mooted live on BBC Sport.