Rangers sign former Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton on a free transfer
30 January 2016 FA Cup fourth round : Arsenal v Burnley : Joey Barton of Burnley. Photo: Mark Leech
Rangers have confirmed the signing of Joey Barton on a free-transfer, with the midfielder agreeing a two-year contract on Tuesday, which will commence on July 1.
The 33-year-old was offered a new one-year deal to extend his stay at Burnley, with whom he won promotion back to the Premier League as title winners last season, but decided against the chance to remain at Turf Moor, in order to become the fourth signing of the summer at the Glasgow club.
The Merseyside-native will join Accrington Stanley pair, Josh Windass and Matt Crooks, as well as former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Rossiter, in making the move to Scotland this summer.
Barton met with Rangers manager, Mark Warburton, last week, and was shown around their Ibrox home, as well as the Murray Park training ground.
Barton met with Rangers boss Mark Warburton last week. Photo: Steve Parkin/Offside
Speaking about the transfer, Barton told Rangers’ official website: “Once I’d walked into the building and seen what this club was about, I knew it would fit perfectly with what I want to do.
“I’m fully aware of the situation the club has been in for the last few years but to be part of a group that is going to put this club back where it belongs was an opportunity, that if I didn’t take, I would probably have regretted it for the rest of my life.”
The Gers will compete in the top-flight of Scottish football once again come the start of August, and will renew their Old-Firm league rivalry with cross-city rivals, Celtic.
Warburton’s side return to the Premier League following a four-year hiatus from the division, after winning the Championship title last term.
Barton departs Burnley having been named their Player of the Year in his solitary season in east Lancashire, where he made 40 appearances during his stay at the Clarets in the Championship.
The one-time England international has also played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, and French side Marseille in his career.