There’s uncertainty regarding Rangers speedster Brandon Barker’s Ibrox future as the summer transfer window enters its final stages.
Barker joined the Gers in the summer of 2019 from Man City on a three-year deal but he has never really established himself at the club.
Whilst out on loan at Oxford United over the second half of last season, he made almost as many appearances in a few months (22) as he has done for the Light Blues (26).
His numbers weren’t sensational in EFL League One but he did score some excellent goals and notched several assists, and some fans hoped that he’d return to Glasgow ready to contribute as a squad player.
However, his pre-season was disrupted and he hasn’t even made the bench for any of the Gers’ seven competitive matches so far this campaign.
The former England youth international didn’t make the extended squad for the Champions League qualifiers against Malmö or for the ongoing Europa League playoff against Alashkert [UEFA.com].
There’s been next to nothing in terms of updates on his situation and it’s possible that injury was a factor at one stage, but the 24-year-old was snapped in training on Wednesday [Rangers.co.uk], so it’s likely that he was available and simply not selected for Sunday’s trip to Ross County.
The permanent departure of Jordan Jones to Wigan Athletic and loan exits for Glenn Middleton, Josh McPake and Jake Hastie have ensured there aren’t as many wingers competing for places as there were when pre-season began.
However, if Barker isn’t going to be involved in Europe and isn’t making Premiership squads even when Scott Wright and Fashion Sakala are unavailable, will Rangers be looking to offload him before the window closes next week?
As yet, there haven’t been any reports of bids, but an exit would likely be the best solution for all parties.
With the ex-Man City starlet now in the final year of his contract, this is probably the last point at which the club would be able to command a fee for an undoubtedly talented player who has struggled to make an impact in Glasgow.
Another Englishman, who was released by Rangers in 2020, has finally made his first league appearance since leaving Ibrox.
