At the start of the month, Borna Barisic’s agent indicated that the fullback would not stay at Ibrox beyond this season. Rangers had managed to get him on a new contract which would keep him at the club until 2024. But his agent was sure that Barisic wouldn’t stay at Ibrox for long. However, in a U-turn now, his agent went on to reveal that the left-back would remain until 2021.
Barisic agent’s comments from earlier
Barisic impressive form hasn’t gone unnoticed, and he has been linked (Evening Times) with the likes of Tottenham and Napoli recently. Ives Cakarun on 1st March had said, “Rangers won’t be able to keep Borna after the season he’s had, even though he’s just signed a new contract. ”
“There was interest in him during the winter transfer window – the strongest came from Napoli, but Rangers turned down all offers because they wanted to keep one of their best players. They value Borna a lot and wanted to win something with him because Rangers haven’t won a trophy for a long time.”
His recent comments
However, recently Cakarun went on to say (Calcio Napoli 24), “Napoli? Borna is concentrated only on the path with Rangers until next summer.”
It seems like a classic case of an agent trying to drive more interest in his client. This is nothing new as agents of footballers are known to make such comments from time to time. The big revelation this time though from his agent, is that Barisic will stick around until next summer.
Barisic’s impressive season so far
The defender took some time to settle in at Ibrox, and he has managed to show his talent this season. Barisic has impressed with his crossing skills and forward runs down the left. It would be fair to say that he has often been Rangers’ biggest threat while going forward this season.
The fullback has managed two goals and 14 assists in all competitions so far. Apart from his attacking contribution, Barisic has also improved on the defensive side of his game. Last campaign, he was often soft defensively. This season he has clearly worked on his overall strength and his reading of the game has also stood out on the defensive front.
It’s tough to say what would transpire after the end of the season. Barisic should be one of the players of the season contender for Rangers, but it cannot be denied that the likes of Napoli and Tottenham have it in them to attract the Croatian ace. The recent update though from his agent should be a positive one. But there is no guarantee still that the Bears would be able to keep Barisic as the interested clubs can offer Barisic a chance to play Champions League football.
