Rangers ready new left-back transfer as Borna Barisic agrees Ibrox exit
Rangers are preparing to bring a new left-back to Ibrox with Borna Barisic on the brink of a free transfer to Trabszonspor, according to the Daily Record.
In their print edition (21 May, page 48), the newspaper reported that Rangers have plans to fill the left-back hole left by Barisic, with Fluminense defender Jefte still an option.
The Bears have tracked the Brazilian’s progress for some time and appear confident of a deal, despite loan club APOEL having the option to sign him.
John Lundstram is also expected to join Trabzonspor alongside Barisic, with the report also stating that the Gers are close to completing a deal for centre-back Jose Cordoba from Levski Sofia.
Would Jefte be an improvement on Barisic for Rangers?
Rangers look to have made very little attempt to keep Barisic at Ibrox this summer, and a parting of the ways has seemed inevitable with the Croatian’s minutes on the pitch decreasing.
Philippe Clement has often preferred to play Dujon Sterling, more at home on the right-hand side, over Barisic at left-back this season, with Ridvan Yilmaz currently making his way back from injury.
The Croatian’s departure would leave Yilmaz as the Gers’ only senior left-back as Sterling is expected to become first-choice right-back if captain James Tavernier, heavily linked with a move to the Middle East, departs the club this summer.
Jefte, therefore, shapes as an interesting signing, having only started getting regular first-team minutes this season while on loan at APOEL.
He has scored three goals from left-back in 31 Cypriot First Division appearances though, as well as making a solitary cameo in the UEFA Conference League for the Nicosia side.
Attacking threat from the back is something Rangers have become accustomed to in the forms of Tavernier and Barisic, and if both are to depart this summer, adding another defender with an eye for goal would be the perfect way for Clement to replicate some of that output.
In other Rangers news, club scouts are monitoring a record-breaking player.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.