Borna Barisic looks to be playing his last games in a Rangers shirt as the Croatia international’s contract winds down.
Even at 31-years old, the 35-cap left-back still has something to offer, although manager Philippe Clement’s tactics clearly aren’t a good fit for how he plays.
Teams looking for a good crosser are in luck though and, according to a report from Turkey, Borna Barisic has been courting interest from more than just Trabzonspor.
Borna Barisic rejects homecoming amid Rangers exit claims
The Turk’s are said to have offered Barisic a two year deal with the option of a third which, given it will be his last big contract, would be a lot to turn down.
You would think that getting the opportunity to return home and to play for Dinamo Zagreb after continued links would be capable of pulling on his heart strings, but apparently not.
Turkish news outlet Express, via Football Scotland, have claimed that a last minute contract offer hasn’t been enough to turn Barisic’s head.
Barisic was at Zagreb as a promising youngster, things didn’t work out and he returned to NK Osijek.
Rangers paid Osijek a fee in the region of £2m, which in modern football, is hardly breaking the bank.
He’s had his moments, but he’s certainly been value for money.
Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos have both shown that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side when a bigger pay cheque is the driving factor behind decision making.
Barisic already looks like he is declining so, moving to one of the most fanatical leagues in Europe could be questionable.
Gers duo could be making a move that they regret
John Lundstram is reported to be joining Barisic in two moves that Trabzonspor have openly admitted are close, but Turkey is rarely a destination that proves to be a success for footballers leaving the UK.
Both have established reputations outwith Ibrox that should negate them having to take such a big risk – even if the money on offer can be tempting.
For perspective, Fenerbahce were trying to cancel Kent’s contract at one point.
Zagreb seem to have been long term admirers of Barisic which makes it strange that they have potentially left it until the last minute to try and persuade him to return home.
It’s always a gamble for players out of contract.
The question of signing for a team early so that things like a house and schools can be sorted plus, from a professional perspective, players get to meet teammates and complete pre-season training.
The problem is, players sometimes miss out on a better offer by going with the first good one that comes along.
After making his mind up, Barisic looks like being the first official departure of the season and will no doubt be the first of many.
