Glasgow Rangers are reportedly interested in signing Ross Barkley following his release from Chelsea and the midfielder could be a big upgrade on Tom Lawrence in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad.
A recent report by Football Scotland suggested that the former England international had been offered to Rangers after his contract at Stamford Bridge was terminated by mutual consent.
During his time at Chelsea, he would make 100 appearances, in which he contributed 12 goals and 18 assists, with the midfielder arguably never able to rediscover the form that made him such a top prospect at Everton in his early career.
Barkley’s return of 27 goals and 28 assists at Everton caught the eye of Chelsea and they paid £15m to sign him back in 2018, but he has endured a very difficult spell at the London club, and a fresh start could be exactly what he needs to reignite his career.
While Rangers’ last marquee midfield signing of Aaron Ramsey didn’t go too well, Barkley is still just 28 and has a huge amount of experience in the Premier League, so could offer some real quality in Van Bronckhorst’s midfield, which is arguably needed after Saturday’s embarrassing Old Firm derby defeat.
In fact, he could be viewed as an upgrade on Tom Lawrence, who has proved a hit since his summer switch to Ibrox, contributing three goals and two assists in his opening nine appearances in Scotland.
Who is the better player?
The Welshman is also 28 but spent most of his career in England in the lower leagues, making just four Premier League appearances before his move north of the border.
Barkley has just seven fewer career goals than Lawrence in England, despite featuring in far fewer games and playing at a higher level, while the former Chelsea man also has just one fewer assist.
According to WhoScored, the free agent excels at long shots, key passes, through balls and dribbling, so he could definitely add a threat in the final third for Rangers, while his wages shouldn’t prove an issue after the financial bonus of qualifying for the Champions League.
Following Saturday’s shocking performance in the Old Firm, it is clear that improvements are needed, and Ross Wilson should do all he can to bring the “complete” Barkley to Ibrox.
