Stop Undervaluing Our Midfielders

Barron and Raskin are exactly the kind of players Rangers should be talking up, not punting early for “good money”. Potential matters, and so does the level you play at every week.

There’s a habit Rangers fans can fall into, and it does my head in at times: we undervalue our own players, then act surprised when other clubs try their luck with cut-price ideas. For me, Barron is already worth more than £5m, and the bigger point is I wouldn’t be in a hurry to sell at all.

If you rate players on potential, and a lad is clearly improving, then the valuation has to move with that. It’s not complicated. Barron’s value should rise as his game grows, especially if he’s getting more minutes, more responsibility and more of a platform around him.

Barron’s value should reflect where he’s heading

I’m not claiming he’s the finished product or saying he’s better than everyone else right now. That’s not the argument. The argument is what he could be in a year, and how quickly that can change when a midfielder settles, gets trusted, and plays in a stronger XI.

In my head, you’re talking about valuing him at £7m and pushing towards £10m as he develops, partly because that’s closer to what his ceiling could justify, and partly because it puts clubs off the daft “lowball” bids Rangers too often entertain. If he keeps progressing, why would we rush to sell before we’ve even seen his best?

Raskin is not a bargain-bin asset either

Same goes for Raskin. If you believe he’s a current Belgian starting midfielder, then the valuation has to match that level. The way some folk talk, you’d think Rangers should be grateful for whatever comes in, rather than recognising the profile we’ve got.

There’s also the simple reality of squad building: replacing central midfield quality isn’t cheap, and it isn’t easy. Even when you get the right type in, it can take time for them to look like a Rangers player. Selling good midfielders too quickly can set you back a window or two, never mind the knock-on effect on the team’s balance.

Context matters, including injuries and form

We’ve all seen what a bad injury can do to a player’s momentum. Ferguson is the example you’re pointing to: first season strong, then the injury, and it can take ages to get back to that same rhythm and sharpness.

That’s another reason I’m not for panicking or guessing a player’s ceiling too early. Let Barron develop, let the squad around him improve, and then reassess. Truth is, Rangers should be setting the prices, not shrinking them.

Written by Stevie_G_new: 28 December 2025