David Edgar Identifies Key Rangers Issue as Tribunal Rules on Connor Barron Compensation

Rangers podcaster and Heart and Hand host David Edgar has highlighted what he sees as the primary problem plaguing the club’s recruitment strategy following the tribunal ruling on Connor Barron. On 31 December, the Scottish FA tribunal ordered Rangers to pay Aberdeen £600,000 in compensation for Barron, who joined the Ibrox club in the summer. While the decision settles the financial aspect of the transfer, Edgar believes the broader issue lies not in signings like Barron but in the club’s costly investments that have failed to deliver.

Barron, a Scotland international, was signed on a free transfer after his contract with Aberdeen expired, though the compensation reflects his development as a youth player at the Pittodrie club. The 21-year-old midfielder was brought in as a promising addition to Rangers’ squad, with the hope that his potential could be developed further at Ibrox. However, while some fans have scrutinized such deals, Edgar argues they are not the root of the club’s ongoing struggles.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Edgar defended moves like Barron’s, stating, “No chance. The problem isn’t guys like Barron, every team needs those. It’s the 3-5m signings we keep getting who don’t deliver.” His comments highlight a growing concern among Rangers supporters: the club’s repeated failures to get value for money in the transfer market for mid-tier signings.

Rangers have spent significant sums in recent seasons, targeting players in the £3-5 million range, but many of these acquisitions have failed to make the desired impact. This pattern has raised questions about the scouting and recruitment processes, as well as the decision-making at boardroom level. For Edgar and many fans, the issue lies in the lack of returns on these sizable investments, which places undue pressure on the squad and the club’s finances.

In contrast, players like Barron, who arrive at minimal upfront cost, are seen as low-risk and potentially high-reward. Such signings provide depth and future development opportunities, which every successful team requires. Edgar’s comments suggest that focusing blame on these types of deals is misplaced, particularly when the more expensive signings are the ones failing to meet expectations.

With the January transfer window now open, Rangers face a critical juncture. Whether they adjust their recruitment strategy or continue to gamble on mid-tier signings could determine their ability to compete domestically and in Europe. For now, Barron’s compensation saga may be resolved, but the broader debate over Rangers’ transfer policy is far from over.

Portsmouth Rule Out Move for Rangers Youngster Robbie Fraser in January

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has firmly dismissed any speculation linking the club with a move for Rangers left-back Robbie Fraser during the January transfer window. Despite rumors circulating about Fraser’s potential Ibrox exit, Mousinho clarified that the 20-year-old is not on Pompey’s radar, ending any talk of a move to Fratton Park this winter.

Fraser, a highly rated product of the Rangers academy, has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent months as he struggles to break into the first team at Ibrox. With limited opportunities under current manager Philippe Clement, the young defender has been linked with a move away, either on loan or permanently, to seek regular playing time and further his development. However, Mousinho has unequivocally ruled out Portsmouth as a destination for the promising talent.

Speaking to local media, Mousinho addressed the rumors, stating, “Robbie Fraser is a talented young player, but he’s not someone we’re looking at in January. We have our targets for the window, and we’re focusing on areas where we feel we need to strengthen. Left-back isn’t a position we’re actively pursuing at the moment.”

Portsmouth, who are currently enjoying a strong League One campaign, are prioritizing reinforcements in other areas as they push for promotion to the Championship. With Connor Ogilvie and Jack Sparkes already competing for the left-back spot, Mousinho appears satisfied with his options in that position, making a move for Fraser unnecessary.

For Fraser, the news means his future remains uncertain. While his potential departure from Rangers has been “mooted for some time,” as reported by Scottish outlets, no concrete offers have materialized. The 20-year-old is regarded as a player with significant upside, having captained Rangers’ B team and impressed with his technical ability and composure on the ball. However, the lack of first-team opportunities has hindered his progress, and a move away from Ibrox could provide the platform he needs to fulfill his potential.

It remains to be seen whether other clubs will step forward to secure Fraser’s services in January. A loan move could be an ideal solution, allowing him to gain valuable experience while keeping the door open for a future return to Rangers. For now, Portsmouth’s stance ensures that the young defender’s next steps will have to be taken elsewhere, as his search for regular playing time continues.