Rangers need upgrade transfer as new Borna Barisic contract verdict drops at Ibrox
Keith Jackson admits Rangers need an upgrade on senior star Borna Barisic but cannot afford to move him on despite him being on his last legs at Ibrox.
The Daily Record journalist, writing in the Monday Jury column (15 January, page 38) believes the Croatian left-back has probably “run his race” at the club but could still be rewarded with a new one-year contract if an upgrade cannot be sealed.
Football Scotland shared on 13 January that Barisic is unlikely to leave Ibrox despite interest from Leeds United with his contract coming to an end in June and the Gers are set to lose Ridvan Yilmaz to Hellas Verona (Football Scotland, January 14).
Jackson wrote: “It does feel as if Barisic may have run his race at Rangers. But the Ibrox club can’t afford to move him on without first getting an upgrade in place.
“If they can neither find nor afford one, then a one-year deal could still be on the table.”
Keep for now
If Yilmaz is allowed to leave the club in this window, then Rangers cannot afford to allow Barisic to leave too.
Although he only has six months remaining on his contract and this could potentially be the last chance to earn some cash for him, Clement has clearly taken a liking to him and is a senior member of the dressing room.
He has got quality too and his crossing ability from set-pieces and open play make him a regular threat for opposition teams to deal with.
However, his performance levels have taken a steep decline in recent months which suggests that Jackson is right in his assessment that Rangers will need an upgrade in soon enough.
Whether a one-year extension is something Barisic deserves is another matter entirely but in order to protect his short-term future at the club and stop the risk of being depleted at left-back, it may be the best solution right now.
The Gers will need to secure his future now and then reassess in the summer where Philippe Clement will be hell-bent on completing a considerable reshaping of the squad.
In other Rangers news, Manchester United transfer leaves door open for Gers to sign new left-back.