Former Rangers winger Brandon Barker has signed a short-term deal with English Championship side Reading after his release from the Ibrox club in January.
The 25-year-old attacker left Ibrox after two-and-a-half seasons at the club in the last transfer window amid heavy links to a return to former loan club Hibernian.
But instead, Brandon Barker has negotiated a deal with Reading until the end of the season with the task for the ex-Man City youth to win a longer term deal at the club over the next few months.
The winger also claims that life at Rangers helped him “grow up” as he looks to unlock the potential that had him rated amongst the brightest talents in England as a youth player.
“I’m definitely grateful for the chance. I haven’t played a lot of football recently,” said Barker [ReadingTV].
“This is a chance to show everyone what I can do and impress people and get my name back out there.
“I played in the Championship a few years back but life in the SPFL made me grow up as a man.
“It’s difficult playing for such a big club, the pressure’s always on so hopefully that will give me the level to show what I can do in the Championship.
“I’ve got a point to prove. I’m here to show everyone what I can do and help the team.
“So hopefully I can settle in relatively fast.”
Brandon Barker to team up with ex-Rangers star at Reading
Brandon struggled to hold down a spot at Rangers despite a handful of opportunities and will now look to reignite his career with the Royals.
In total, Barker made 27 appearances for Rangers – including starts in crunch Europa League matches against Porto and against Old Firm rivals Celtic – scoring three goals.
But minutes were hard to come by for the player – signed from Man City in 2019 – and Barker was sent out on loan in the second half of last season.
Brandon Barker will also join up with ex-Rangers midfielder Ovie Ejaria at Reading, the former Liverpool youngster spending part of the 18/19 season on loan at Ibrox.
The loan deal was cut short in December 2018 despite a bright enough start at Rangers with Ejaria spending 18 months on loan at Reading before signing a permanent deal in the summer of 2020.
Meanwhile, Rangers will be taking part in some wonderfully unique celebrations when they visit Borussia Dortmund this week.
