Reports from the Scottish Sun had emerged that Italian heavyweights AS Roma are willing to dig deep to sign Rangers’ star fullback Borna Barisic. The Croatian ace has cemented his place in the left-back role this campaign after a below-par display in his first season for Rangers.
Barisic talks about Roma’s interest
However, the fullback recently opened about the transfer rumour and said that he is entirely focused at the job for Rangers. Speaking to Premier Sports, the Rangers defender said, ”It’s nice when some clubs like Roma ask for you and want you to come. It’s a very nice feeling; it’s such a big club. But as I said, I’m fully focused on Rangers. I think I have time to progress here and I’m happy here.”
”I know there are some times they (fans) think that I need to go, but that’s normal. When you are injured or struggling, it’s hard to play good football, but this season I’ve showed everything I have. I have my own song, and it’s crazy to be in my position now.”
Indeed, many wouldn’t have given a second thought if Barisic was sold in the summer after his first season at Ibrox. The defender seemed to lack the mental toughness and the physical strength to play for Rangers. But credit to him for being able to turn around his fortune this season.
Croatia’s national team manager Zlatko Dalic has already claimed that Barisic is his first choice full-back. The defender was being kept out of the team by the likes of Jon Flanagan and Andy Halliday last season. Both of them are not even left-backs by trade, and not many saw this kind of turnaround coming with Barisic.
How has Barisic impacted Rangers this season?
His crossing ability from the left has allowed Rangers to be threatening from both the flanks. Earlier they often used to rely heavily on crossing from the right given Tavernier’s prowess on the ball. But Barisic has made this Rangers team a double-edged sword now as the Croatian has been equally effective if not better than Tavernier on the attacking front this season.
His defensive work rate has also been impressive, and he isn’t shy of committing his body on the line in 50-50 challenges. AS Roma are certainly a big club but its good to see that the fullback is willing to stick around at Rangers. The gaffer had indicated earlier that a new contract is on the cards for the 27-year-old. Hopefully, the fullback would go on to sign a new deal for the Gers. However, even in that scenario, it cannot be ignored that he could move away in the summer for a sizeable transfer fee.
