Kartal Yilmaz reveals reasons for ‘near-miss’ in what-could-have-been Rangers transfer
Kartan Yilmaz explained he did not make the move to Rangers from Besiktas in the summer of 2022 as “some conditions were not met”.
The 23-year-old, currently on loan at Kayserispor from the Turkish giants, has made eight Super Lig appearances this season, with his loan team pushing for the European spots.
It is clear that life could have been very different for Yilmaz – who has previously represented Besiktas in the Europa League – with Rangers registering their interest in the young midfielder last year, but ultimately he did not join namesake Ridvan Yilmaz at Ibrox.
“Glasgow Rangers had a suitor for me after Ridvan Yilmaz at that time,” he said in an interview with Spor Haberleri. “I know this personally, but the transfer did not take place at that time because some conditions were not met.
“Of course, time will tell what will happen in the next period. I believe that I will achieve my European dream as soon as possible.”
A missed opportunity?
While it has taken a while for Ridvan to settle into the squad, having played just four league matches last season, he is now a trusted member of Philippe Clement’s team and has already featured seven times this season.
So, this begs the question ‘what if?’ with Kartal, who would appear to have come extremely close to joining the Gers last year. However, the youngster’s career has since stalled, facing several loans during his Besiktas tenure and is yet to break into the Turkey national team after making five U21s appearances.
Yilmaz does have Europa League experience at a very young age, though. During the 2019/20 season, he made his European debut for Besiktas, playing 101 minutes across two matches, either side of his 19th birthday.
And with Rangers investing in the midfield area, and signing the likes of Kieran Dowell, Todd Cantwell and Jose Cifuentes, missing out on Yilmaz does not seem as important a story anymore.
Of course, it is vital to bring exciting young talent through to the squad, but the Gers have proven the quality of their own academy system, as more and more prospects drip into the first team.
Although the Turkish midfielder could have been an intriguing future star, the club’s current players should not be taken out of the spotlight as Rangers continue to build their squad of attractive talents.
In other Rangers news, a player is now in a ‘Worse’ situation than before as surgery is unavoidable, according to exclusive coverage by an injury expert.