Borna Barisic, a Croatian international, has been given a contract extension by Rangers. His current deal expires in the summer of 2020, thus he is free to negotiate with other teams in January.
Discussions were put on hold while Rangers concentrated on hiring a new manager to succeed departing Michael Beale. TEAMtalk has learned from sources that a two-year contract is being considered for the left back, who has been first-choice since joining the team in 2018.
Barisic moved to Glasgow from boyhood club Osijek in a deal worth £2m after impressing Steven Gerrard when facing Rangers in a Europa League tie. He has gone on to make over 200 appearances for the club.
The 30-year-old has been a key figure in lifting Rangers back to the top of Scottish football and helped secure the club’s 55th league title three years ago.
Since then, Celtic have resumed their dominance, with Barisic facing criticism from fans.
Despite this downturn, the club do not want to lose him for free at the end of the season and, with last summer’s £5m signing Ridvan Yilmaz yet to deliver, they could find themselves in need of major reinforcements at left-back.
It makes business sense for the club to renew Barisic’s contract. Despite their poor start to season and the eventual sacking of Michael Beale, there is a fair argument that he has been Rangers’ best player this term.
Nottingham Forest still interested in Barisic
Nottingham Forest held interest in Barisic in the last window and a number of other clubs around Europe would be keen to bring him in in the future.
Turkish champions Trabzonspor also made an offer for Barisic in the summer window, which was rejected by Rangers.
The Scottish giants will hope to cash in if he signs a new deal rather than let him leave for free like Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent were able to do last summer.
A return to his hometown of Osijek is often touted for Barisic but, for a full international who is a consistent starter for Croatia, another couple of years at a big club and playing European football is most desirable and realistic.
Notwithstanding the halt in negotiations, it is anticipated that in the upcoming weeks, a deal will be reached to extend the defender’s contract, guaranteeing both his future and any potential sell-on value.
Barisic has 214 games played, 35 caps for Croatia, and more than 60 assists for the Rangers. Along with his league victory and Scottish Cup, he was a member of the team that advanced to the Europa League final in Seville in 2021.
