Connor Barron’s future at Ibrox uncertain as Rangers edge closer to Dan Neil agreement
Connor Barron looks set to fall even further down the pecking order at Rangers with a deal for Dan Neil edging closer.
The Bears are looking to revamp multiple areas this summer, with the 49ers keen to make Danny Rohl‘s side a title-challenging one.
Part of their plans is to sign Sunderland star Neil, who is set to become a free agent upon the expiration of his contract at the Stadium of Light in June.
The Englishman is still technically a Premier League player up until that point, and even made three appearances in the top flight before being loaned out to Ipswich Town in the second half of the campaign.
However, if the Bears were to sign the 24-year-old, it could come at the expense of others, with Barron’s future looking uncertain.
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Where could Connor Barron go?
Barron was out injured with a knee issue that kept him on the sidelines for months, as his return came at the worst time with Gers in free fall.
Rohl’s midfield options have consisted of Mohamed Diomande, Tochi Chukwuani, and Nicolas Raskin this season, and Barron was getting regular minutes when he was fit.
| Area of game | Stats |
| Matches (starts) | 27 (16) |
| Goal involvements | 2 |
| Passing accuracy | 88.9% |
| Tackles per game | 2.91 |
| Defensive contributions | 98 |
However, the arrival of Chukwuani suggested that Rohl and others at the club thought Barron could be upgraded, which makes Neil’s potential arrival a worry for the former.
Neil captained Sunderland to the Premier League last season, but after the Black Cats spent the best part of £150million in the summer, he fell out of Regis Le Bris’ plans.
His potential Ibrox arrival would be calculated and smart on many levels, but it would open the door for Barron to leave.
It would be no surprise to see the Scot stay in the Scottish Premiership, or alternatively, seek a move abroad.
Dan Neil has a very similar profile to Barron
Barry Ferguson called Barron a “little warrior” back in March and was desperate to see the former Aberdeen star come back from injury.
The 23-year-old’s return may have come too late, with his first full 90 minutes coming in the 3-1 loss to Celtic when hopes for the title were already crushed.
Thankfully for Gers, Sunderland fans would most likely describe Neil as the same, but his CV offers a little more than what Barron has.
It could see the 49ers rake in a decent fee for the midfielder too, while arguably signing an improvement for nothing in the same window.
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