According to Jordan Campbell of The Athletic, the future of Rangers winger Brandon Barker might get sorted soon even though the club failed to find a suitor for the ex-Manchester City prodigy prior to Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Difficult to move him on a permanent given wages, as has been the case with many players in recent years. Been told something may be happening on him soon though.
— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) August 31, 2021
Although he kept it cryptic on Twitter while answering to a Rangers fan, it is highly unlikely for the 24-year-old to get reinstated in the first-team picture. The former England youth international played a bit-part role since plying his trade at Ibrox a couple of summers ago and was eventually loaned out to Oxford United for regular minutes earlier this year. With 3 goals in 19 League One outings, Barker could not live up to expectations and an underwhelming pre-season sent him further down the pecking order behind Ryan Kent, Scott Wright, Ianis Hagi, Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala.
What’s Next For Barker?
While the Bears managed to offload the other outcast wide attacking options either on loan or permanent terms, his high salary hindered the exit with no club stepping in to meet the figures. He has entered the final year of his Rangers contract and the club should explore the other possibilities before it gets too late.
There are a few countries where the market is still open and among them, Turkey and Russia remain the most realistic destinations where the business is still pretty much in full swing. There are teams that are capable enough to pay his remuneration and the Gers, thus, must look for a permanent deal even if it is a cut-price one given the circumstances. A loan bid should also be entertained for Barker as it would help them reduce the wage bill for the ongoing term.
Rangers, meanwhile, might also terminate his contract similar to Kyle Lafferty, Carlos Peña and Joe Dodoo in the recent past. But they must not be this desperate to part ways with the Englishman as his flair down the flanks might still make the difference if handed another chance. The Gers should at least wait for the January window rather than making a drastic decision if they fail to find a solution in the next few days.
