Connor Barron fitness situation raises questions as Rangers transfer interest grows
Connor Barron has reportedly been fit and available despite Derek McInnes previously suggesting the Rangers midfielder was still building up his fitness.
Barron returned to the Rangers matchday squad for Thursday night's 1-1 draw with Jagiellonia Bialystok, although he remained an unused substitute as Rangers exited the Europa League 3-2 on aggregate.
However, sources have indicated to Inside Ibrox that Barron has actually been ready to play for over a week.
That would appear to differ from the public picture presented by McInnes ahead of Rangers' Premiership opener against Dundee United.
McInnes said Barron was behind
“Connor Barron's a wee bit behind,” McInnes said.
“He's only had seven or eight days of pre-season. Connor's had a little knee niggle. We didn't allow him to do the pre-season before we went to Spain.
Barron was subsequently absent from the squad for that fixture as Rangers drew 1-1 at Tannadice.
The midfielder was then unavailable for Rangers' first meeting with Jagiellonia and Sunday’s defeat at Ibrox to Hibernian, before returning to the matchday squad for Thursday night's second leg at Ibrox.
However, according to sources, the situation was not simply a case of Barron being unavailable because of an ongoing injury.
The 23-year-old has reportedly been fit for at least a week, which would include the Scotland internaitonal being available around the time of the first leg in Poland.
Barron transfer interest continues
Barron's situation is particularly notable given the level of transfer interest in the midfielder.
The former Aberdeen player has attracted attention from Sevilla, Bologna and West Ham United during the summer window.
Sevilla have registered an interest in the Scotland international, while Bologna have previously made an offer.
West Ham have also been monitoring Barron as they assess options in midfield.
However, the London club's interest could now cool.
West Ham are understood to be closing in on a move for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, which could remove Barron from their list of alternatives.
The Premier League club have also monitored Hibernian's Josh Mulligan, with Barron one of several midfielders under consideration.
Not currently fancied by McInnes
Barron's uncertain position at Rangers is also understood to be linked to his standing under McInnes, with the midfielder yet to feature in competitive action under the former Hearts boss.
The midfielder is not currently viewed as a favoured option by the Rangers manager, despite having established himself as an important member of the squad under Danny Rohl.
That could leave the door open for a departure before the transfer window closes if an acceptable offer arrives.
Barron joined Rangers on a free transfer from Aberdeen in the summer of 2024.
His technical ability and experience at both club and international level mean there remains interest in his services, but his current position under McInnes could make a transfer increasingly plausible.
The fact that he was back among the substitutes against Jagiellonia suggests he is now available for selection, but his lack of involvement in the match could further fuel questions about his place in McInnes' plans, with Barron not used against the Polish side while Dan Neil, Thelo Aasgaard and Nicolas Raskin started, with Vanja Dragojevic and Cammy Devlin deployed from the bench.
Rangers now must determine whether Barron remains part of the manager's plans or whether a transfer would be preferable, particularly if interest from Sevilla, Bologna or elsewhere develops into a concrete proposal.
Barron's return to the matchday squad provides confirmation that his fitness issues are behind him. But with sources claiming he has been ready to play, his limited involvement in a struggling side and current standing under McInnes could become increasingly significant as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
