Rangers are gearing up to sign a new left-back for Ibrox as Borna Barisic has agreed to a free transfer deal to Trabzonspor, according to the Daily Record.
In their May 21st print edition, the newspaper reported that Rangers plan to fill the gap left by Barisic, with Fluminense defender Jefte still being a viable option. The Bears have been monitoring the Brazilian’s progress and are confident about a deal, despite loan club APOEL having an option to sign him.
Additionally, John Lundstram is expected to join Barisic at Trabzonspor, and Rangers are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for center-back Jose Cordoba from Levski Sofia.
Would Jefte be an improvement on Barisic for Rangers?
Rangers seem to have made little effort to retain Barisic this summer, with his departure appearing inevitable as his playing time has decreased. Philippe Clement has often preferred Dujon Sterling, typically a right-back, over Barisic at left-back this season, with Ridvan Yilmaz currently recovering from injury.
Barisic’s exit would leave Yilmaz as the Gers’ only senior left-back, assuming Sterling becomes the first-choice right-back if captain James Tavernier, who is heavily linked with a move to the Middle East, leaves the club this summer.
Jefte, therefore, presents an intriguing option, having begun to receive regular first-team minutes this season while on loan at APOEL. He has scored three goals from left-back in 31 Cypriot First Division appearances and made a brief appearance in the UEFA Conference League for the Nicosia side.
Rangers are accustomed to attacking threats from their defenders, like Tavernier and Barisic, and if both leave this summer, adding another goal-minded defender would help Clement maintain some of that offensive output.
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