We are receiving news that Napoli are interested in Rangers defender Borna Barisic ahead of the summer window. The Italian club requires a left-back, and Konstantinos Tsimikas of Olympiacos is being considered as their primary target. Napoli also have different options lined up, and Rangers’ Barisic is attracting interest from the Serie A heavyweights.
Barisic is being valued around €7-8m by the Serie A side according to the reports we are receiving. That would make him a cheaper alternative than Tsimikas who is being valued at €15m. Rangers wants to keep hold of the left-back, but it remains to be seen whether the €7-8m interests them or not. Our initial reaction is that Napoli would need to pay more.
Barisic’s impressive season so far
The Croatian left-back has managed to turn his career around at Ibrox after an underwhelming first year with the Glaswegian giants. Barisic has impressed with his attacking threat from the left as he has contributed with 14 assists in all competitions this season. The 27-year-old has also gone on to score two goals.
His impressive crossing skills and defensive awareness have stood out this campaign, and he has been one of Rangers’ biggest strength in attack. It is no surprise that high profile clubs are taking note of him. Croatia’s manager Zlatko Dalić had also termed Barisic as his first-choice left-back for the national team after his stellar season for Rangers so far.
Should Gerrard settle for a €7-8m offer?
Steven Gerrard managed to tie Barisic down on a new contract not too long ago. The former NK Osijek defender is contracted to stay at Ibrox until 2024. Hence, we believe that Napoli’s valuation of Barisic is far too less, and Rangers should demand double the amount quoted.
Barisic is not just a threat while going forward, but he has performed defensively as well. The fullback is also capable of delivering impressive set-piece delivery. Rangers would undoubtedly want to keep him for long. However, a club like Napoli could certainly lure him with a top offer. Gerrard should hold a much higher value than what Napoli is estimating at the moment and let’s see where the chips fall once normalcy is resumed.
