Jefte Rangers shock as Robbie Fraser drops big admission | OneFootball

There’s been an interesting ‘twist’ at left back, after it emerged exiting Croat and now Trabzonspor LB Borna Barisic told newly-extended Robbie Fraser he was the future of that position, while Rangers Review owners Newsquest, who have historic connections to the club, reported and confirmed the same thing.

It’s a very intriguing situation, that having secured Brazilian left back Jefte some weeks ago, the former Fluminese defender was viewed as new number one choice Ridvan Yilmaz’ understudy there.

But Fraser’s admission of what the (former) Croatia international said to him coupled with Newsquest and specifically The Herald’s confirmation that Fraser will be deputy to the Turk is a bit of a surprise.

This extension was slightly unexpected given the earlier arrival of Jefte – Fraser is a year older than Jefte at 21, so there’s no denying Rangers have a raft of options in that position now.

It does absolutely end the uncertainty at LB, which always centred around Barisic and Ridvan’s futures at the club – Ridvan has long-term commited, save for a massive bid Rangers can’t refuse, and now we have serious depth in the two younger models.

Newsquest said:

But while Jefte knew from the start he’d likely have to fight for his place and would initially be behind Ridvan, the extension for Fraser now means there is a trio of players who are long term Rangers players.

Indeed, we wonder the thinking behind the decision on Fraser, or the decision to sign Jefte – we could say the more the merrier, of course, but we don’t want to bloat the squad either.

It was an interesting development, which appears to suggest Fraser, and not Jefte, will be the deputy choice behind Ridvan:

We suppose, however, it all depends on who actually impresses on the pitch.

But as we go into the new season, it seems to be Ridvan as first choice, Fraser as deputy and Jefte as backup. For now.