Rangers told to sign Ryan Jack replacement Connor Barron from ‘shocking’ Aberdeen
Rangers need to sign Connor Barron from a “shocking” Aberdeen side as the replacement for Ryan Jack, says John Walker.
The UEFA coaching candidate analysed the midfielder’s stats on Twitter (4 March), arguing that he outstrips Jack, John Lundstram, Nico Raskin and Dujon Sterling in terms of winning ground and aerial duels, while trailing only the Belgian in tackle percentage.
The 21-year-old is tipped to be an affordable option as he would just require a development fee with his contract is up, so Nils Koppen, Philippe Clement and James Bisgrove are urged to take action ahead of the summer transfer window.
Walker wrote: “Come on Nils, Big Phil & Bisgrove… let’s sort this one out! In a shocking Aberdeen side, he is still one of the best available players: £400-500k Dev Fee. £5-8k/week Wage.
“That’s all it would take to have a pretty “Like for Like” Ryan Jack replacement sorted for the Summer.
“Barron’s passing stats have dropped dramatically since Warnock has come but the context of Aberdeen not keeping the ball is an issue.
“At Rangers, he would be so comfortable in every aspect of our style with and without the ball.”
Dons midfielder the heir apparent for Ryan Jack at Rangers?
In light of Jack’s injury struggles it is in significant doubt whether the 32-year-old will be offered an extension to his deal, which is currently expiring at the end of the season.
Mohamed Diomande has already come in as a significant investment to the midfield, but with Lundstram’s contact negotiations still as-yet unfinished and Raskin currently going through a major dip in form there could be movement in the next few months.
Jose Cifuentes was supposed to be part of the long-term future but lasted only half a season at Ibrox and is not expected back from a long loan at Cruzeiro, so there is likely space to add.
Motherwell’s teenage star Lennon Miller has already been tipped to be a target for Rangers but at 17 is developing strongly where he is and may well be seen as best served staying there for the time being.
The Dons on the other hand are struggling mightily under Neil Warnock and are not far off a genuine relegation battle, so if the numbers work Barron could potentially be a viable option to follow in Jack’s footsteps by making the switch from Pittodrie to Ibrox seven years later.
In other Rangers news, Clement has been told to stop complaining about Scottish football.
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