Many Rangers fans have urged the club to learn their Lewis Ferguson lesson with Connor Barron.
A lot has been made about the Ibrox side’s lack of inaction when it comes to former Aberdeen midfielder and Scotland international Fergie.
Lewis Ferguson – who would’ve “walked to Rangers” according to uncle Barry – now has the captain’s armband at Serie A club Bologna and it’s got the top clubs in Italy taking notice.
Juventus and Napoli have been most closely mentioned as suitors, with the £22m price tag attached to Lewis Ferguson a money spinning amount for Rangers fans.
But amid murmurs around Aberdeen’s latest midfield prospect Connor Barron and interest from Rangers, the Ibrox side may well be set to lose another homegrown prospect to Italian football.
Rangers to face Connor Barron competition?
Connor Barron ticks a lot of boxes for Rangers.
Only 21-years-old, the Scotland youth international midfielder still has plenty of room to grow at Ibrox.
With the contract situation of another ex-Pittodrie star in Ryan Jack also firmly up in the air, Barron looks a natural homegrown replacement.
The UEFA homegrown quota for European squads also means Rangers need to be looking domestically, and the profile of an out of contract midfielder with plenty of potential should surely have washed up on Nils Koppen’s desk.
Plus, the seethe from Pittodrie after poaching one of their young talents for next to nothing is a just bonus.
But Rangers might be about to see an opportunity with Connor Barron, who has changed agents this season, slip through their fingers.
According to the Daily Record, Sassuolo and Cagliari have been scouting the Scotland U21 international and could launch a summer move at the cost of £500k in compensation.
This comes amid reports Swansea had a bid rejected for Connor Barron in January.
Aberdeen hope to hold off Italy interest
Young Scottish players have established a route into Italy and this poses a big challenge for the likes of Rangers and Celtic.
Whereas traditionally both of the Old Firm have been able to poach the best young Scottish talent, the lure of Serie A and the continent has never been stronger.
Aaron Hickey (Bologna), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), and Josh Doig (Sassuolo) have all spread their wings and left a big impact on the country’s football.
It presents Connor Barron with a potential dilemma and whilst there’s been nothing concrete on Rangers interest, Aberdeen remain hopeful of a new contract.
Speaking in January about the situation with Barron and Kelle Roos, former Aberdeen manager Barry Robson said: “Hopefully both players would like to stay because I have a lot of time for them. They have performed so well. They are good guys and great to have in the dressing room. It is no secret we want to keep them.”
Back in November last year, Barron said: “Talks are ongoing at the moment and that will take care of itself.”
Connor Barron has made 69 appearances for Aberdeen, scoring two goals, including a long range stunner in front of FIFA president Gianni Infantino earlier this season.
