It's an absolute hoot and a half talking about the ever-so-volatile career of Barrie McKay. This wand of a lad, born on the last day of 1994, to be precise, waxed his skills as a forward, more notably as a left winger (though the roles kept shifting like the seasons, if we're to be honest.) A Scottish gent by birth, he currently holds the ropes for Hearts, where he's often seen wrapped in the number 10 jersey. A relatively unimposing figure, McKay stands a mere 5ft 8in or 1.75m, if you prefer your measurements metric, and tips the scales at all of 73kg (that's 11st 6lb for the metrically disinclined).
Now, in the world of footy, a player's market value is like the stock market, quite fickle. Or, at least it seems that way if one used Transfermarkt as a yardstick. According to them, our lad McKay has a market value hovering around €800k. In pound sterling, that's something like £668k, give or take a bob. His contract with Hearts is set to expire in 2025's May, which, let's be real, is barely worth mentioning given the player's flip-floppy tendencies.
Speaking of which, the saga of shifting teams. Ah, yes. Starting his career as a trainee at Rangers in July 2011, McKay's first season was, let's just call it quiet, with one appearance. Followed by a marginally livelier season (31 appearances and 1 goal).
Insanely enough in December 2013, he decided to pursue a loan transfer to Greenock Morton, where he managed to find the back of the net thrice in 18 matches. However, it was almost as if he missed his home at Rangers, as he returned in July 2014. One would think it was for good, but clearly, the winds of change had other plans.
September 2014 saw another change in the scene, as he zipped off to join Raith Rovers, but only on loan. There, hopefully entertained by the goalpost, he scored once in 23 appearances. Post this short stint, McKay was back again at Rangers in July 2015.
Interestingly enough, he had fairly successful outings during his second and third stays at Rangers until 2017. Following which it seems he felt the grass would be greener at Nottingham Forest, and off he went for a transfer fee of something in the neighbourhood of £500k, but his time there didn't bear much fruit. Following that lukewarm stint, his journey continued to Swansea City at the same transfer price where he played until 2020.
Now, as though one loan trip wasn't enough, McKay took off again to Fleetwood Town on loan, only to return to Swansea City, where they didn't seem to really want him, and off he went to Hearts in September 2021. Hearts is where we come full circle in this fine mess of a career. At present, he has started 8 league matches in the current season, scored various goals and made few appearances as a substitute in cup tournaments.
Looking at those numbers, it's clear that it's been an 'interesting' journey for McKay traversing the highs and lows of professional football. But, if there's one thing McKay has showcased, it's a tenacity for the sport rivaled by few. Also, an apparent love for travelling between his home clubs. Interesting indeed.
