Out-of-contract Rangers star Borna Barisic is on a three-man AS Roma shortlist as the Serie A side look to step up their hunt for a new left-back.
According to Calcio Mercato, the 31-year-old Croatian international is one of a trio of options being considered by Jose Mourinho heading into the summer.
With Borna Barisic’s Rangers contract running down heading into the summer, AS Roma appear to have one eye on the situation with an ex-PSG star and Brazil talent the alternatives.
The report claims that Atalanta left-back Mitchell Bakker, who spent time with the Ligue 1 giants between 2019 and 2021, is one of the other names on the list.
The Dutch left-back only signed for Atalanta in the summer and would likely command a fee, whilst fellow alternative Vasco de Gama left-back Lucas Piton is in a similar situation.
The Brazil-born Campeonato star, 23, has been a stand out for the Rio de Janeiro side and, given his Italian citizenship, could easily make the switch to Europe.
However Piton is contracted to the Brazilian side until 2026 meaning that Borna Barisic – who is free to speak to other clubs in January – represents a cost-effective option for AS Roma.
Borna Barisic to AS Roma?
The links to AS Roma also represent an interesting option for Borna Barisic.
Having been signed under the management of Steven Gerrard in 2018, the Croatian left-back impressing in a Europa League qualifier against Rangers whilst turning out for NK Osijek, the full-back’s six seasons in Glasgow have been full of up and downs.
When Borna Barisic has been able to overcome injury problems and major doubts over his mentality, Rangers have had world-class delivery and a consistent, relentless presence on the left.
But the club’s recent downturn in domestic success has plenty questioning the situation with Borna Barisic who appears to have a decision to make at Rangers.
With the full-back also dropped from the Croatian international squad for the latest round of international fixtures, Rangers will be wary of investing in a player whose career may well be on a downward trajectory.
That said, reports have suggested that Rangers are in discussions over a new deal for the left-back and do want him to stay but it’s a big juncture in Borna’s career.
With Turkish international left-back Ridvan Yilmaz behind him, assurances over a first-team place are somewhat weaning whilst the allure of Serie A football might prove too strong.
Borna Barisic has made 218 appearances for Rangers to date, scoring nine goals and laying on an impressive 52 assists.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has also been speaking this week about his decision to drop the 35-times capped left-back option.
