Dinamo Zagreb wants to sign Borna Barisic on a pre-contract deal in January, when his contract with Rangers expires.
Dinamo Zagreb intends to offer Borna Barisic a pre-contract in January, when he enters the final six months of his Rangers contract, according to Index.
The Croatian news outlet writes on their official website (13 September) that the club was interested in signing Barisic this summer but that a deal fell through due to the high cost.
However, with the left-back’s present Ibrox contract set to expire next summer, they intend to offer him a deal to sign him for free next summer, or to pay Rangers a “very small” transfer fee to sign him in January.
“One of the solutions is Borna Barisic, who is in the final year of his Rangers contract,” they stated.
“There was also talk about him in Maksimir this summer, but he couldn’t be brought in, so Dinamo will think about their options for the winter.”
“The first is to offer Barisic, 30, a contract in the winter so that he can become a free agent in the summer.” Barisic earns roughly one million euros each season (£16.5k p/w) with Rangers, and he may earn somewhat less at Dinamo.
“Another option is for Dinamo to try to sign him from Rangers for the winter, but the compensation would have to be minimal because the player is available in the summer.”
“Sergej Jakirovi wants Barii to be a part of the team.” He wanted him even now, but there was no time, and Dinamo may try to fetch him in the winter.”
Opportunity
It’s a really sensible move by Zagreb to try to obtain Barisic on a cheap deal near the conclusion of his contract, and it’s an opportunity for Rangers to cash in as well.
The Croatian is now in his 30s, and any new contract at Ibrox would almost certainly carry him into the twilight of his career, meaning he will only get worse the longer he remains.
This would provide the club a good opportunity to cash in on an aging player rather than lose him for free, while also giving them time to prepare ahead and find a suitable replacement if necessary.
Dujon Sterling is presently considered as the back-up after Ridvan Yilmaz was dropped out of the Europa League team, but if the Turkish international is still at the club, he would be the most logical candidate to take over for Barisic.
It might be a settlement that benefits all sides, whether it happens in January or next summer, but it’s one to keep an eye on.
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