There are hints that transactions involving Rangers players Borna Barisic and John Lundstram are nearing the “completion stage,” according to Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan.
Both Barisic and Lundstram have contracts that expire at the end of the current campaign, and Trabzonspor is eager to capture both players this summer on free transfers.
Before the campaign ends, the Turkish team is actively hiring, and Dogan recently disclosed how near the team is to reaching their goals.
Dogan did not specifically mention the two Gers players, but Turkish publication Haber 61 disclosed he was referring to Lundstram and Barisic in a statement that was released by A Spor on Wednesday, May 8. The statement stated: “Three transfers are done.” There’s one more transfer ending soon.
“Three transfers have already occurred and are currently nearing completion.”
Rangers need to prepare for life after Borna Barisic and John Lundstram.
Barisic’s exit at the end of this season has been anticipated for some time because Turkish defender Ridvan Yilmaz, who is nine years younger than the Croatian left-back, has been starting for the past nine games. Barisic is currently 31 years old.
Barisic looks to be behind the versatile Dujon Sterling in the hierarchy, and a new contract for the seasoned full-back never seemed to be in the works.
However, head coach Philippe Clement’s heavy reliance on Lundstram at the base of midfield this term – the 30-year-old is the fourth-most used player in the Rangers squad across all competitions, playing 4,281 minutes [Transfermarkt] – is evidence of his desire to retain the Englishman’s services beyond the end of this campaign.
The Belgian has fought to keep hold of Lundstram, who was initially expected to pen fresh terms, but it now seems as though he has made his decision to leave for Turkey, meaning Clement will be forced to dip into the transfer market in search of a replacement.
