GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz has been linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer.
The left-back, 23, has been connected to many moves to Turkish teams. It was reported back in January that he was weighing his options in light of interest from Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Besiktas.
But any possible transfer did not happen, therefore he remained. Last season, he made 34 appearances across all competitions, and according to Football Scotland, he intends to remain at Ibrox past the summer.
Given that Borna Barisic left the team when his contract expired, Yilmaz hopes to compete for a regular starting position.
Yilmaz will face off against Jefte, the new left-back that Rangers have already signed, for a spot in Philippe Clement’s starting lineup going forward.
Ridvan Yilmaz made a wise decision by staying at Ibrox. According to a June 8 report from Football Scotland, Rangers are accepting bids for the majority of their players as Clement wants to make significant changes.
Clement is unlikely to sell Yilmaz unless a very strong offer is made, having already sold Barisic. There isn’t one right now.
Yilmaz is a very gifted player who, if he stays injury-free, may really help the Bears. The left-back’s will to battle for his position will please Clement.
Rangers may decide to trade Ianis Hagi this summer in the interim. The Romanian winger has already given his agency instructions to locate the ideal team and manager for him, and it is unlikely that Clement will obstruct them.
Sam Lammers is another player that might depart from Ibrox. The 27-year-old forward, who FC Twente is battling for his signing, is not in Clement’s plans and may depart the team this summer.
