Brandon Barker is struggling to impress on loan at Oxford United following his winter transfer window loan move and Steven Gerrard should consider getting rid of the winger in the summer, as it seems clear that he isn’t good enough to be a regular for Rangers at Ibrox next season, particularly in the Champions League.
The 24-year-old joined Rangers from Manchester City in the summer of 2019 and has gone on to make 26 appearances for the Light Blues, in which he has managed three goals and no assists.
Is Barker good enough for Rangers?
Yes
No
Although he contributed two goals in 10 Premiership appearances in Gerrard’s side this season, also featuring twice in the Europa League, Gerrard clearly felt it was best for his development if he were to get regular football out on loan. However, considering he has played in the English Championship before, the decision for him to join mid-table League One side Oxford seemed a strange one.
Unfortunately, the Englishman has struggled to have much impact in Karl Robinson’s team this season, managing just two goals and two assists in 14 league appearances thus far.
It seems likely that Gerrard will be adding to his attacking options ahead of next season, and considering he already has the likes of Ryan Kent, Ianis Hagi and Joe Aribo available on the wings, it seems unlikely that Barker will be able to return to Ibrox and establish himself as a first team regular.
Certainly, it seems fair to suggest that, whilst he is a decent player, Barker is nowhere near Champions League level; and if Gerrard wants his side to give a good account of themselves in that competition next season, then he can’t afford to keep players such as the 24-year-old around his squad.
He reportedly earns £7,500 per week at Rangers, and if the Light Blues can find themselves a buyer for Barker this summer, then it would not be a surprise if they were to cash in on him and bring in someone else, as unfortunately his performances with both Rangers and Oxford in the past two seasons have emphasised that he doesn’t have a promising future at Ibrox.
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