It is now widely understood that Connor Barron’s position at Rangers is flimsy. Derek McInnes might have been a bit of a fan of his own former youth charge at Aberdeen, but the additions of a whole host of defensive midfielders, or players who can play that position, not to mention Cammy Devlin, have put Rangers Connor Barron position under serious scrutiny. Indeed, it is understood that at least three clubs are definitely interested in his services. They are Rino Gattuso’s Lazio, Bologna and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Barron faces fierce competition
Consequently, it is appearing now that Rangers Connor Barron position could be either as the makeweight for the Lewis Ferguson deal, or as a clean sale to one of the other clubs. The simple fact is that Cammy Devlin is a very, very similar player to Connor Barron. Both are hardworking grafters, tacklers, interceptors and engine room men. They both essentially play the same role. The fact that McInnes has signed his own man for that position suggests that Connor Barron probably is not in his plans on a significant level.
Squad role may not appeal
Connor Barron, aged 23, would be viewed by McInnes as squad depth, which all clubs need, of course. Rangers will need those squad players who are not guaranteed to play. The question is, will Barron accept that? Will he accept that, at the age of 23, he will be a deputy and a bench player rather than a first choice? The simple fact, of course, is McInnes has signed two players for Barron’s position, Dan Neil and the aforementioned Devlin. That is a damning indictment of Barron’s prospects of playing.
Has he done enough?
Many fans do like Connor Barron. They think he is a good player, with a good passing rate, an engine room presence and a hard worker. He is all of the above. However, there is a shaking feeling that he has never quite asserted himself in the Rangers team. He just has not really impressed enough in the starting XI to sustain a spot. He is a good player. Not a brilliant one, but a good one. He was, after all, a near first choice for Aberdeen, but not quite. He was benched now and again at Pittodrie too.
Questions have remained since his arrival
Consequently, when Rangers brought him in, Ibrox Noise was a little bit puzzled. Of course, the whole thing went to a tribunal to decide how much Rangers would pay because of the development costs to Aberdeen. The fact was that this was not exactly an asset player in the north of Scotland. He was not a prime marquee talent that Aberdeen had and were desperate to keep. Instead, he was just a player they had who played a decent amount. Rangers brought him in. We were not sure he was of the level. We rolled with it anyway.
McInnes appears to have reached a verdict
It seems that Derek McInnes does share that concern that Barron is not quite up to what he needs. After all, he has brought in three players who can play that exact slot. The aforementioned Neil and Devlin, and of course Ross McCrorie. McCrorie is more likely to play at right back. Ultimately, no one can really know precisely what position McInnes intends to use everybody in. We know what position these guys theoretically are. For Barron, the interest from the three European sides seeking his signature is probably more of an issue for him now.
A move could suit everyone
He is, of course, in Spain. He is training with the team. However, he does look to be a transfer target. It would probably be better for everybody concerned if Barron did indeed move on. Not because we do not like him, but because we do not think he is going to play enough under McInnes, given the new signings, to justify keeping him. He is a decent lad and he is smart. You only have to listen to his press conferences and interviews to know that the boy is both well spoken, articulate and has a brain on his shoulders. However, he will want to play, and we are not sure he is going to do much of that under Derek McInnes. Therefore, the interest in him from those sides may be his preferred option at this point.