'I'm surprised...' - Pundit reacts as 'Superb Talent' arrives as another Rangers signing

Joe Harper admits he is surprised Connor Barron turned down a move to Italy in favour of signing for Rangers this summer.

The former Aberdeen favourite wrote in his Press and Journal column on 21 June that the “superb talent” could have been a great success in Italy like former Dons and one-time Gers youngster Lewis Ferguson has proven to be at Bologna.

Barron, 21, also had interest from England [Scottish Sun, 12 June] but has ignored the chance to leave the Scottish Premiership and was confirmed as the latest addition to Philippe Clement’s squad on 20 June.

Harper wrote: “I’m surprised that Connor Barron has signed for Rangers on a four year deal. The Scotland under-21 international is a superb talent and I think a move to Italy could have been very beneficial for him.

“Barron has the game that could really flourish in Italy. Former Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson has been a sensation since signing for Bologna in Serie A two years ago. Ferguson was recently named midfielder of the season in the Italian top flight which is  a sensational achievement.

“Midfielder Ylber Ramadani has also been a major success since transferring to Serie A Lecce from Aberdeen last summer. Barron had interest from Italy and the opportunity was there to potentially follow in the footsteps of Ferguson and Ramadani.

“Unfortunately Barron is no longer at Aberdeen and Rangers have signed a superb talent who will only get better.”

Connor Barron to replace Ryan Jack or John Lundstram at Rangers

There would likely have been a decent number of Gers supporters who expected Barron to take up the offer to head to Serie A as well, but will surely be glad he has come to Glasgow instead.

Clement needs to restock his central midfield after losing Ryan Jack and the Trabzonspor-bound John Lundstram on frees.

Although the final cost of the deal is yet to be determined, with a tribunal on the cards unless the club can reach an agreement with Aberdeen, it should be a relatively low-cost addition during a summer where money has to be spent on various new arrivals.

The Scottish youngster’s addition is arguably the most significant one so far after Jefte, Oscar Cortes’ return and Clinton Nsiala.

Liam Kelly is expected to join that number once his involvement with Steve Clarke’s Scotland side Euro 2024 comes to an end [Daily Record, 8 June], and a deal has reportedly now been agreed for a new forward in Hamza Igamane [Chris Jack, 20 June], so things are slowly starting to come together.

There still looks to be a lot to do and plenty more players could yet leave but the Light Blues have pulled off a strong signing by beating a host of other suitors to Barron.

In other Rangers news, the Light Blues have confirmed the exit of another goalkeeper this summer.

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