Chris Jack shares whether Borna Barisic will leave Rangers in January amid ‘huge concerns’
Chris Jack has claimed Borna Barisic is unlikely to leave Rangers in January, but there are huge concerns about his performances this season which means a new contract offer would be a surprise.
The Rangers Review journalist shared that Ridvan Yilmaz is the more likely left-back to depart in January, while Barisic should remain at Ibrox beyond the transfer window.
However, he suggested the Croatian has likely now come to the end of his stay in Glasgow with his Rangers career heading towards a natural end upon the expiry of his contract.
Speaking to The Rangers Review [8 January], Jack shared: “Could Rangers afford to lose two? I think that’s probably more business in the one area of the pitch than I thought they would do. I think it’s more likely that Ridvan [Yilmaz] moves on.
“I think Barisic is hanging on until the end of the season. Contract-wise, I think I would be surprised. I think players sometimes just feel as if they’re coming towards the end of their natural shelf life, certainly at clubs like Rangers.
“I think Barisic has been a good servant for the club, for the money they paid for him he’s more than repaid that.
“In terms of his performances and consistency, there are obviously huge concerns there. I think Rangers could do better, it just feels like Barisic is coming to the end of his Rangers career.”
Time to move on
While he will need to remain at Ibrox beyond January as the starting left-back, to help both with the balance and the quality of the squad, there is a feeling around Rangers that when his contract expires at the end of the season, Barisic will depart.
Whether that would be on a pre-arranged contract agreement, with foreign clubs now able to negotiate a deal for the end of the season or to find a club after the deal expires is unclear, but both will be presented as possibilities.
It feels like now is the time for both parties to move in different directions, with Rangers reported to be targeting new left-backs in the January window with a long-term succession plan in mind.
Barisic’s performances have dipped in the last couple of seasons, but six years on from his arrival at Ibrox he will leave with his reputation intact, with fond memories of the quality he provided and the trophies he has won, including an SPFL title under Steven Gerrard.
In other Rangers news, insiders have shared an update on the chase for Kevin van Veen.