Although Keith Jackson acknowledges that Rangers need to replace senior player Borna Barisic, who is nearing the end of his career at Ibrox, the team cannot afford to let him go.
The Daily Record writer thinks the Croatian left-back has likely “run his race” with the team, but if an upgrade cannot be arranged, he may still be rewarded with a fresh one-year deal (Monday Jury, page 38).
Football Scotland published on 13 January that Barisic is unlikely to leave Ibrox despite interest from Leeds United with his contract coming to an end in June and the Gers are due to lose Ridvan Yilmaz to Hellas Verona (Football Scotland, January 14).
“It does feel like Barisic may have run his race at Rangers,” Jackson wrote. However, the Ibrox club cannot afford to let him go without first making an improvement.
“A one-year deal could still be on the table if they can’t find or afford one.”
Rangers cannot afford to let Barisic go if Yilmaz is permitted to leave the team during this window.
Clement has taken a shine to him and is a senior member of the dressing room, despite the fact that he only has six months left on his contract and that this may be his last opportunity to make some money.
He is very talented, and his ability to cross the ball from set pieces and open play makes him a constant threat to opposing teams.
Jackson is correct to believe that the Rangers will require an upgrade shortly, as seen by the sharp drop in his performance in recent months.
While it is debatable if Barisic merits a one-year extension, it might be the best course of action at this time to safeguard his immediate future at the team and eliminate the possibility of a left-back shortage.
The Green Bay Packers must now ensure his future before reevaluating in the summer, when Philippe Clement will be determined to finish a significant roster overhaul.
