Borna Barisic heads for Rangers exit, ‘writing’s on the wall’ at Ibrox under Philippe Clement
Borna Barisic is headed for a Rangers exit as “the writing’s on the wall” at Ibrox under Philippe Clement, according to Stephen Craigan.
The Viaplay Sports pundit made the claim live on the channel’s coverage of the 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Ayr United on 10 February, suggesting that the Croatian defender’s time is coming to an end as his contract is expiring and Ridvan Yilmaz has now moved ahead of him.
Barisic, 31, opened the scoring at Ibrox with a deflected strike that could have been recorded as an own-goal, with his first in a year.
Craigan said at half-time (6.35pm): “It’s a hard one because it looks as if Borna Barisic is heading for the exit door doesn’t it? Out of contract, Yilmaz has played the majority of games since Philippe Clement came in.
“So the writing’s on the wall. However, you still have a duty when you get the chance to play to go and perform.
“Borna Barisic has been a reliable player. He’s got a wonderful left foot, of course he has. He’s doing okay. He’s doing fine. But longer-term where will he be?
“Certainly, he’ll be trying to claim that goal tonight.”
Barisic on the way out at Rangers claims Craigan live
Throughout the January transfer window it was actually Yilmaz who was the one who looked like he might be leaving imminently.
He was heavily linked to a Hellas Verona move before Galatasaray pursued him for a number of weeks without meeting the Rangers asking price.
That the market closed with the 22-year-old still at Ibrox, and in the midst of his best run of form since signing from Besiktas two summers ago, he does now appear to have finally dislodged Barisic as first choice at left-back.
Clearly, Rangers wouldn’t have let the senior of the two get inside the final six months of his deal if they were desperate to keep him past the summer, but they might see mileage in a short-term extension depending on what happens in the next transfer window.
If Yilmaz has turned a corner as it appears then only big money will see him go anywhere, and Jefte, who was supposed to come in during January after a deal was agreed, is expected to arrive.
After his switch was blocked by current loan side APOEL Nicosia a verbal agreement to follow through on a summer deal was agreed with Fluminense, seemingly lining up a replacement for Barisic.
But there are various moving parts involved in that and none of the three defenders’ futures are set in stone yet so who Rangers start next season with will only become clear closer to the time.
In other Rangers news, another “excellent” Light Blues man won’t play for the club again according to his new manager.
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