Why Tottenham should plot a summer swoop for Rangers’ Borna Barisic
According to 90min.com (h/t The Sun), Tottenham are interested in signing Rangers left-back Borna Barisic this summer.
Borna Barisic, 27, joined Rangers from Croatian outfit NK Osijek in the summer of 2018. He endured an injury-hit debut campaign at the Ibrox as the left-back managed only 15 league appearances, racking up three assists.
The defender has had injury issues this term as well, yet Barisic has already featured 37 times across all competitions, registering two goals and 14 assists in the process for the Gers.
The 27-year-old, who is rated at £22m by Rangers (h/t The Sun), has 12 senior international caps to his name, making his debut in January 2017 against Chile and netting his first goal in March 2019 at home to Azerbaijan. Barisic has done well for Rangers this season and he could well be a regular starter for Croatia at Euro 2020.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have been uncharacteristically shaky at the back this season, with none of the central defenders showing consistency in their performance. Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez have not been up to the mark, while Jan Vertonghen has entered the final few months of his contract at the club. He will leave on a free transfer if an extension is not done.
Danny Rose left Tottenham on loan to join Newcastle United in January. The Englishman endured an indifferent season and Spurs are willing to let go of the left-back before the expiration of his contract in 2021, the report adds. (h/t The Sun)
Should Tottenham sell Rose and Vertonghen is allowed to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season, Jose Mourinho will be left with Ben Davies as the only natural left-back in the squad. Even though Japhet Tanganga and Ryan Sessegnon are capable of playing at left-back, the Spurs manager must bring in a new left-back to cover for and compete with Davies next season.
Hence, Tottenham must attempt to sign Borna Barisic from Rangers. Since arriving at Ibrox he has become a fan favourite, playing 64 times for the club. The 27-year-old is a versatile customer as he can play at left-back and as a left wing-back. He is an attacking left-back who has scored three goals and assisted 21 times for Rangers till date.
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Barisic has the potential to perform well in the Premier League and would be a valuable asset to the team if he is able to replicate the same form he has shown at Rangers this term. He will add an injection of quality to Tottenham’s back four, whilst bringing cover and competition for Davies next term.
Verdict
At the age of 27, the Croatian international is operating at the peak of his powers. If he can keep himself fit, Barisic could turn out to be a smart signing for Tottenham.
