Borna Barisic is now open to leaving Rangers after pulling a U-turn over his future at Ibrox, with the Gers also ready to cash in on the defender, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Croatian fell out of favour after Giovanni van Bronckhorst replaced Steven Gerrard in charge last season. He had featured in 12 of a potential 22 games before Aston Villa hired the head coach last November, and turned out in a further 29 of 41 under the Dutchman.
- Crystal Palace’s 22/23 XI with £20M West Ham target leading 4 new signings
- Jude Bellingham and Celtic ace lead Birmingham XI if they ket their top stars
Van Bronckhorst, additionally, would only call on Barisic to play in three of a potential nine Premiership fixtures before the top-six split. Yet the 29-year-old enjoyed consistent Europa League matches with starting roles in the semi-finals and the final with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Barisic is now open to leaving Rangers this year with contract expiring in 2024
Defeat in the Europa League final in Seville could prove to be Barisic’s final appearance for Rangers with the left-back now open to leaving Ibrox during the summer. Van Bronckhorst did not include 26-cap defender in his matchday plans for the SFA Cup final against Hearts.
O’Rourke believes Barisic would ‘definitely’ consider departing for pastures new after four years in Glasgow. Gerrard bought the 29-year-old from NK Osijek on four-year deal in 2018 for £2m, and would hand Barisic fresh terms lasting until the summer of 2024 during 2020.
Any departure would mark a U-turn for the Croatian, as Football Scotland had claimed that Barisic wanted to stay at Ibrox. Yet Rangers were already warming to potentially selling the defender, with Van Bronckhorst open to offers as he now bids to strengthen where he can.
Bassey breakthrough raised doubt over Trabzonspor target’s Ibrox future
Calvin Bassey’s breakthrough as a left-back option raised doubts over Barisic remaining an important part of Van Bronckhorst’s plans. But he was thought to be happy in Glasgow and ready to fight for his Ibrox future, five months after the Gers rejected two bids by Watford.
The Daily Record note Trabzonspor are now interested in buying Barisic this summer, if he is open to leaving Rangers. The Super Lig champions are prepared to step up their pursuit ahead of competing in the Champions League. But Italian sides are also keen on the Croat.
Manager Abdullah Avci has identified Barisic, who Gerrard once called ‘outstanding’, as an option who can replace Tymoteusz Puchacz. Trabzonspor need to replace the Poland star at the Medical Park Stadyumu as he is returning to Union Berlin after a fruitful loan spell.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
