Why Rangers loaning out Jamie Barjonas should be a no-brainer
According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers academy prospect Jamie Barjonas has been linked with a loan move to English League Two outfit Oldham Athletic.
Oldham appointed Steven Gerrard’s former Liverpool teammate Harry Kewell as their manager last month. And Barjonas has emerged as a loan target as the Australian looks to reshape his squad before the deadline. (h/t Scottish Sun)
As per the report, Gerrard doesn’t see the 21-year-old as an integral part of his plans this season and is keen for him to go out on loan in search of regular playtime elsewhere.
Profile
Born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, to parents of Scottish descent, Jamie Barjonas joined Rangers’ academy at the tender age of nine and progressed through various age-group levels.
The talented central midfielder was handed his senior debut for the Gers in a Scottish Premiership match against Partick Thistle back in the 2016-17 season after impressing for the U-20 side in the SPFL Development League.
Barjonas has made a total of 9 first-team appearances for Rangers in all competitions, although none of them have come since the start of the 2018-19 season after Gerrard took charge.
The 21-year-old previously spent time on loan at Bury in EFL League Two and Raith Rovers in the Scottish Championship during the 2018-19 season. Barjonas has also represented Scotland at U-17 and U-19 levels, but is yet to make his senior international debut.
Loan deal – ideal for all parties involved?
Rangers are already pretty well-stocked in their central midfield options, with established internationals like Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara, Steven Davis, Scott Arfield, and Joe Aribo all competing for places in Gerrard’s preferred 4-3-3 system.
Barjonas was named among the substitutes in Rangers’ 2-2 draw against Hibernian last weekend, with Jack and Aribo facing a spell on the sidelines. However, he didn’t enter the field of play and is still awaiting his first competitive appearance under Gerrard.
The 21-year-old is at risk of slipping further down the pecking order if Rangers manage to get a deal for Preston North End playmaker Daniel Johnson over the line this summer. Regardless of that, however, Barjonas is not someone who seems to be a part of the manager’s plans, with the youngster yet to feature for the Gers domestically or in Europe this term.
Suffice to say, a loan move away from Ibrox for Barjonas should be a fair settlement for all parties involved. Still very much in the developmental phase of his career, the Gers graduate needs to be at a club where he plays regular first-team football as opposed to wasting his time playing youth football at Rangers.
Read more
- Why Dan Glazer to Rangers would bolster their midfield
- Why Rangers should continue their pursuit of Patrik Hrosovsky
Verdict
Jamie Barjonas hasn’t made a competitive appearance for the club in over two years. Having said that, sending him out on loan would allow him the opportunity to further his development with some first-team minutes under his belt.
The 21-year-old knows the English fourth-tier very well from his previous loan stint at Bury. And a return to familiar surroundings south of the border should help him progress in his career.
