Ridvan Yilmaz rejects offers to leave Rangers, will stay at Ibrox for 2023/24 season
Ridvan Yilmaz has rejected approaches from Besiktas and Fenerbahce to leave Rangers this summer, according to Turkish-Football.com.
Writing on their official website (29 July), the news outlet report that the player had offers from both former club Besiktas and their rivals Fenerbahce to return to Turkey, but the 22-year-old is intent on making a name for himself at Rangers.
The player has no interest in leaving this summer, and also has no interest in signing for one of his former side’s rivals, and will stay at Ibrox for the upcoming season.
“Ridvan Yilmaz has decided to stay at Rangers next season, sources have told Turkish-Football,” they wrote.
“The Turkish international has been linked with a move back to his former club Besiktas and rivals Fenerbahce have also make an offer.
“Yilmaz has rejected all offers made and has not entered talks with the interested clubs. Additionally, he does not want to return to Turkiye to join the rivals of his former club – Besiktas.
“The young full-back is focused on making a name for himself in Europe. The 22-year-old wants to stay at Rangers and make a name for himself next season.”
Strong
The left-back area is certainly one that has had big question marks in recent times, with the performances of Borna Barisic nowhere near the level required.
The Croatian is now in his 30’s and the arrival of Ridvan last summer was supposed to see him begin the process of taking his place, but he suffered badly with injuries and failed to make an impact.
After spending £4m to bring him in though, it was never likely that the club would cut ties with him so quickly considering his age and it now seems as though he will have that chance to solidify himself at Ibrox.
Michael Beale has shown faith in him, starting him in the final pre-season clash against Hoffenheim on Saturday (29 July), although he struggled especially in the first-half.
But left-back is one area the club don’t anticipate any further strengthening after the arrival of Dujon Sterling, so Ridvan has the perfect opportunity to prove this is the right decision.
In other Rangers news, first-team player told to pack his bags at Ibrox and find a new club.