In a recent interview with Yorkshire Evening Post, boyhood Rangers fan Barry Douglas has opened up on a potential summer move north of the border. His contract at Leeds United is set to expire this month and the veteran left fullback is now assessing his options having failed to make it to Marcelo Bielsa’s Premier League plan.
“It depends what opportunities present themselves. But we’d definitely be open to trying something new and getting out of the comfort zone. If it’s a new culture and a new language again absolutely. But if it’s domestic, great.”
The 31-year-old Scotsman plied his trade at Poland, Turkey and England since leaving Dundee United 8 years back. A return to his homeland with Rangers would be the icing on the cake before hanging up his boots in a few years time.
Following an impressive stint with Konyaspor, Nuno Espirito Santo signed him for Wolves back in the summer of 2017. He made a significant impact as a left-wingback and was integral to the Wanderers’ top-flight return. He spent the next couple of seasons at Leeds and grabbed yet another promotion a year ago.
However, his game-time was limited under Bielsa due to persistent injury problems. Ezgjan Alioski and Stuart Dallas were impressive as makeshift left-backs and the gaffer, thus, sanctioned his season-long loan to Blackburn Rovers in the autumn of 2020. He made 30 Championship appearances for the Riversiders and his profound experience across Europe should see him finding a new destination soon.
Why Rangers Should Consider A Move For Barry Douglas
Although there’ve been ‘noises‘ over a rumoured Ibrox move, Rangers are yet to approach Barry Douglas despite securing a couple of Bosman transfers (read Fashion Sakala and Nnamdi Ofoborh) already. The Gers are highly reliant on Borna Barisic down the left-hand side of their ‘back four’ and a player of Douglas’ expertise would challenge and cover the high-flying Croatian for at least a couple of seasons.
Calvin Bassey was supposed to deputize Barisic following his transfer last summer from Leicester City. But the youngster had a difficult time overall as he blew the opportunity of a starting role towards the closure of the previous campaign. His suspension for breaking Covid protocols forced Steven Gerrard to deploy Joe Aribo as a stopgap left fullback during Barisic’s injury absence.
A loan next season would help Bassey develop his game and Rangers, therefore, must consider roping in Douglas, particularly due to the Croatian’s involvement in the upcoming Euro 2020 competition. They have little time to prepare ahead of the Champions League qualifiers and the addition of the Scotland international seems to be a no-brainer for the Glasgow giants.
