If a report from Football Scotland is believed to be true, Rangers are ready to keep hold of Borna Barisic beyond this season. The veteran left fullback will be a free agent in the summer, and therefore, eligible to speak to his suitors over a pre-contract agreement amid interest from La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1.
The 31-year-old Croatia international joined Rangers from Osijek in 2018 for around £2.2m. Despite initial injury woes, Barisic eventually secured an integral status and has, so far, appeared 224 times across competitions. Not only he has been pivotal to their domestic success but also played his part in the emphatic Europa League run a couple of years ago. Losing him for free would be a blow given he still has a lot to offer down the left-hand flank.
Meanwhile, Ridvan Yilmaz is expected to join Hellas Verona as revealed by sports journalist and transfer expert Nicolo Schira.
Rıdvan #Yılmaz is one step away to #Verona from #RangersFC on loan with option to buy, which will become an obligation if Hellas stay in Serie A. #transfers
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) January 12, 2024
The young Turkish left-back was tipped to make it big and eventually replace Barisic down the left when he completed a £3.4m transfer from Besiktas in July 2022. However, he has failed to cement his place due to form and fitness reasons and is now keen on exploring a fresh opportunity with growing frustration over limited playing time since leaving his homeland.
Why Rangers Have Made The Correct Call
While the Gers are assessing options and weighing up winter swoop for a new fullback, they can’t end up losing both Barisic and Yilmaz by the end of the 2023-24 season. Josh Doig and Owen Beck were identified as potential transfer targets, but a move did not materialize with Doig set to join Olympic Marseille and Liverpool recalling the loaned-out youngster from Dundee to cover for their injured left fullback pair Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.
Having said that, the Light Blues must find a new name to challenge their veteran star. Barisic is known for his crossing ability, set-piece traits, overlapping runs and link-up play. Also, his balanced approach between defence and attack offers stability down the left-hand flank.
Nevertheless, the egress of Yilmaz would see Philippe Clement left with Dujon Sterling as a makeshift alternative. With the domestic treble still up for the grab, Rangers have made a right call by offering Barisic an extension.
