Rangers Defender ‘Very Close’ to Trabzonspor Move

Rangers Defender ‘Very Close’ to Trabzonspor Move

Sabah reports that Borna Barisic, one of several Rangers players whose contracts expire this summer, is expected to depart Ibrox to join Trabzonspor in Turkey.

From his 2016 arrival at Rangers under Steven Gerrard, the 31-year-old Croatian defender has established himself as a staple. In all competitions, he has made 230 appearances and assisted on 64 goals. Gerrard himself has called him “outstanding” this year.

However, with his contract expiring and Nottingham Forest sniffing around, a new deal at Rangers

seems unlikely. Barisic has also faced recent competition from Ridvan Yilmaz, losing his starting spot to the Turkish international.

Trabzonspor, currently sitting comfortably in third place and on course for Europa League qualification, have emerged as the frontrunners for Barisic’s signature.

This move would reunite him with countryman Filip Benkovic, a former Celtic loanee, and offer him the potential to be first-choice left-back.

While Rangers were keen to extend his contract, Barisic seems destined for a new challenge in Turkey.

This move allows him to join a club regularly competing for trophies and European football, a good fit

for the experienced defender at this stage of his career.

Third in the Super Lig right now, Trabzonspor would secure a spot in the European competition the

following season if they maintain their current standing.

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