Former Rangers defender Nikola Katic has reservations about Josh Doig’s potential return to Scotland with Borna Barisic ‘miles ahead’ of the former Hibernian left-back.
As far as Katic is concerned, if it ain’t broke, then you have nothing to fix.
Borna Barisic’s contract expires in the summer of 2024. And, try as they might, Rangers are yet to find an agreement over a new deal.
Josh Doig, a proven Premiership operator, has been mentioned as a potential replacement, despite suggestions that Hellas Verona are holding out for £5 million for an Edinburgh-born full-back who became the latest fresh-faced Scot to make the move to Italy some 18 months ago.
But while Katic has no doubts about Doig’s talent or potential, the now-FC Zurich defender believes that Rangers should not be distracted by the prospect of a shiny new toy when ol’ reliable still has life left in those legs.
Rangers like former Hibernian ace Josh Doig
“(Barisic) has been playing for almost six years consistently at a high level,” Katic tells the Daily Record of his fellow Croatia international. “That’s not down to luck. He’s done it consistently for a long time.
“I’m sure the people at Rangers are aware of his qualities and would like to keep him for another two or three years.
“In Europe, he always performs. I’ve spoken with Borna and he’s enjoying it under Clement, so I think they will make a new deal. With all due respect to (Doig), I think Borna is miles ahead.
“I remember Doig from Hibs. He’s a good player. If he were to join Rangers, it would give Borna some healthy competition. But Borna had that with Calvin Bassey too. In the end, Borna proved a lot of times why he is the number one in that position.”
Borna Barisic will be a free agent this summer
According to Tuttomercatoweb, it is Torino – rather than Rangers – who are leading the race for Doig. There is also interest from Marseille, now under the stewardship of Ibrox icon Gennaro Gattuso.
In addition to Doig, Rangers are also admirers of Owen Beck, Kai Wagner and Fredrik Oppegard of PSV Eindhoven.
