Oxford United fans have taken to social media to express their delight after Rangers winger Brandon Barker completed a late loan move to the Kassam Stadium on deadline day [Oufc.co.uk].
Barker had been on the fringes of Steven Gerrard’s plans over the first half of the season, featuring 13 times in all competitions and only making five starts.
However, it was still a surprise when it emerged that he was set to leave Ibrox on deadline day, given that there had been no previous speculation about a move.
With the signing of Scott Wright from Aberdeen in the bag, though, Gerrard clearly felt that Barker’s first-team opportunities would be even more limited over the final months of the season, and a that a stint elsewhere would be more beneficial.
The Us swooped and announced the loan deal at 11pm on Monday night.
“Make no mistake, this is a fantastic signing for this football club,” said Oxford manager Karl Robinson [Oufc.co.uk]. “He is such a creative player but he has also grown up in a magnificent youth system and then this season he has been part of a very good Rangers side.”
“For him to make a move to Oxford at this stage of his career speaks volumes about the reputation we have as a club for helping talented young players develop and get even better.”
Barker hasn’t always convinced during his time at Rangers but he has pace to burn and is a former Manchester City academy Player of the Year, so Oxford fans are delighted with the signing.
The Us currently sit 8th in EFL League One and many are optimistic that the 24-year-old will spark a promotion push over the second half of the season.
Here’s a selection of reactions to the move from Twitter:
Barker wasn’t the only player to leave Ibrox on deadline day, with George Edmundson joining Derby County on loan and a Portugal youth international departing by mutual consent.
