The Turkish club is reportedly preparing to part ways with John Lundstram and Borna Barisic, just 12 months after they joined the team as free agents from Rangers. The news has sent shockwaves through the football world, with fans and pundits alike wondering what went wrong.
Lundstram, who made 44 appearances for Trabzonspor, scoring four goals, faced intense scrutiny from fans and critics. The midfielder’s struggles were evident in the team’s penalty shootout defeat to Swiss side St. Gallen in the Conference League, where sections of the fanbase demanded his contract be terminated.
Meanwhile, Barisic’s time at Trabzonspor was cut short due to injuries. The defender managed only 15 appearances before being loaned to La Liga’s Leganes, where he suffered a devastating cruciate ligament tear just 10 minutes into his debut. The injury ruled him out for the rest of the season, and it’s unclear if he’ll ever regain his previous form.
The news of their impending departure comes as a surprise to many, given the high hopes that surrounded their signings. However, their former Rangers boss, Philippe Clement, had hinted at issues with the duo’s focus during their time at Ibrox. In a recent interview, Clement suggested that two soon-to-be free agents were distracted by contract talks, which affected their performance on the pitch.
“There are some stories if you look back,” Clement said. “Nobody expected Rangers to be in a title race when we arrived in October, but the players fought hard. However, in the end, we lost at Ross County and drew with Dundee. Two players who underperformed in those games left on free transfers.”
The implication is clear: Lundstram and Barisic’s struggles at Trabzonspor may be more than just a coincidence. As the news of their departure spreads, fans are left wondering what could have been. Will they bounce back from this setback, or will their careers take a permanent hit?
The Future Uncertain
As Lundstram and Barisic look to the future, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next? Will they find a new club and rediscover their form, or will their careers stagnate? Only time will tell.
One thing is certain, however: the football world will be watching with bated breath as these two talented players navigate their next moves. Will they prove their doubters wrong and rise to the challenge, or will they struggle to find their footing again? The drama is far from over.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!
