All the signs suggest that one of the longest-serving members of the Rangers squad is entering his final few months at Ibrox.
But while a summer departure looks inevitable – some reports claiming that personal terms have already been agreed – there could still be a few potholes in the road.
A change of rules, after all, may require a change of stance, and a change of tack.
As the Turkish publication Sporx point out, it is far from a foregone conclusion, at this stage, that Borna Barisic will be a Trabzonspor player come the summer, even with his Rangers’ contract expiring on July 1.
Borna Barisic’s Rangers exit up in the air
Sporx explain that discussions with Barisic have been ‘interrupted’. Trabzonspor are also planning to bring in up to two centre-halves, three midfielders, a winger and a forward during what is likely to be a very busy summer on the banks of the Black Sea.
The problem is, the amount of foreign players allowed in the squad of Super Lig sides will decrease to 12 from next season, meaning Trabzonspor may be forced to prioritise a couple of locally-based players rather than outside hires such as Rangers’ Croatia international.
Trabzonspor currently have 18 non-Turkish players, including those out of on loan. The likes of Mislav Orsic, formerly of Southampton, and one-time £72 million Arsenal signing Nicolas Pepe are contracted to Trabzonspor, alongside Thomas Meunier, Trezeguet and ex-Celtic loanee Filip Benkovic.
Barisic, meanwhile, could still have a big part to play during what could be the final few months of his Rangers career. Philippe Clement may even be forced to field the veteran during April’s Old Firm derby, with Ridvan Yilmaz’s involvement rated as touch-and-go following an injury he picked up on international duty with Turkey.
Rangers, meanwhile, host Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday afternoon.
Ridvan Yilmaz looks like Barisic’s long-term replacement
“Borna Barisic might have to step back into the line-up,” Rangers legend Barry Ferguson tells the Daily Record. “And I have no qualms at all about that. Yes, he may be coming towards the end of his time at the club but his commitment to the cause has never been in doubt.
“If this is going to be his last few months in Glasgow then I am positive he’ll want to bow out with another championship in his bag.
“There could be no better way to say goodbye after so many years of service.”
Reports in Turkey suggest that Trabzonspor are also keen on Barisic’s Rangers team-mate John Lundstram.
