As Rangers were preparing themselves to play against Danish heavyweights Midtjylland, the Scottish giants were making moves off the pitch as well as they were closing in on the signing of Manchester City winger Brandon Barker. This will be Rangers’ ninth summer signing, and Barker will add more depth and competition for places in the wide region.
Gerrard confirmed (Herald Scotland) that the player will be signed soon after their terrific 4-2 win away from home. The manager said, ”We haven’t signed him yet. He is having a medical. It’s close. Would that be it in terms of the squad? Who knows.”
Did Rangers need wingers?
The Glaswegian giants had plenty of option for the wide region, but Gerrard had to sell Daniel Candeias who wanted a move as he wasn’t guaranteed a start anymore. Last summer’s signing Eros Grezda is also close to leaving after making a negligible impact in the first season. Rangers have also decided to send Glenn Middleton on loan so that he can play regularly to boost his development. Jamie Murphy is still in rehab, and he might take some time to get going after such a lengthy injury spell.
Rangers were banking on getting Ryan Kent, but Gerrard recently confirmed that the deal is off due to Liverpool’s stance. The manager had said, ”I was told a week ago by Jurgen Klopp that he wouldn’t be going out on loan. So I respect that decision. We checked again a couple of days ago. I spoke to the technical director Michael Edwards. He made it very clear again that it wouldn’t be happening.”
So as we can see, Rangers’ option in the wide regions kept on depleting, and they had to jump in the transfer window to bring in a new player.
What will Barker add to the squad?
The Manchester City player had a decent loan spell with Hibernian in the 2017-18 season. Barker likes to take on defenders, and he is fast on the flanks. The Englishman is a throwback to traditional wingers as he likes to hug the bylines and stretch play. The Englishman is predominantly a left-winger.
The 22-year-old’s final product is questionable, so that is one area where he might want to improve. The winger spent the last season on loan with Championship outfit Preston where he managed two assists in 16 Championship appearances. He is still young, so there is room for improvement. Barker is pacey and direct in his approach, and he can produce some breathtaking moments in the attacking third.
