Connor Barron now Rangers best player amid Philippe Clement shock at crazy Aberdeen news
Philippe Clement will not be regretting the decision to sign Connor Barron despite being shocked by the potential cost of the move, says Derek Ferguson.
The Ibrox boss couldn't believe his club might end up paying more for signing the midfielder than it would have cost a side outside of Scotland to snap him up as Aberdeen look set to take the compensation dispute to a tribunal, branding the situation "crazy" [Scottish Sun, 23 August].
Rangers offered the £500,000 the Dons would have been due if Barron had opted to take one of his offers from England or Europe but were rejected.
But Ferguson is convinced the move has been worth it even if the cost increases as the 21-year-old has been a leading light in this season's stuttering side and Clement won't be second-guessing the deal.
"Oh no not at all, he's been our best player," he exclusively told Ibrox News.
"I thought it was actually quite fair at the time when Rangers offered half a million. Aberdeen are wanting nearer a million. Listen, Aberdeen never offered the boy a contract, they let Barron run his contract down and he was able to sign as a free agent.
"He does, and we all know when you come through the academy you get compensation, and I actually thought Rangers were more than fair."
Connor Barron, Jefte and Vaclav Cerny among Rangers signings
Even if the eventual fee ends up close to the nine-figures Aberdeen apparently hope for Barron's addition should prove solid value for money.
But during a transfer window where finances were so tight it is another small chunk of budget that couldn't be spent elsewhere if it had to be kept aside for a possible tribunal ruling.
Ferguson feels the Dons might be trying to stick the boot in financially to make up for their upset in losing Barron in the first place, amid surprise that he opted for Ibrox after leaving Pittodrie, and for the most part so far this term the Scot has been showing why.
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