Rangers must ready Kai Wagner contract now as Ridvan Yilmaz development emerges at Ibrox
With the winter break now underway in Scotland, Philippe Clement can finally focus on strengthening his Rangers squad during the January transfer window.
The shopping list for the Belgian at Ibrox isn’t too long, but he will have several key priorities, with arguably the biggest addition required being a new number nine given the struggle for consistent goals at the top end of the pitch.
While a new striker will be top of most supporters’ wish lists as well, a more pressing need may have emerged as reports have suggested that Ridvan Yilmaz could be closing in on his Rangers exit sooner rather than later.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported on Tuesday [2 January] that Serie A side Verona are in very active negotiations to sign the Light Blues fullback this month.
Yilmaz has started all of the Gers’ last four games and appears to finally have discovered some form and rhythm at Ibrox after a difficult start in Glasgow. But just as he’s found his feet, it seems as though he’s moving towards the exit door.
Should this deal be completed, Clement will be left with only Borna Barisic as a recognised left-back option. The Croatian international’s future also hangs in the balance as his contract in Glasgow ends at the end of the season.
Barisic has also consistently struggled with injury and fitness issues this season and cannot be relied on to be fit and available for the Gers week in and week out. Therefore, Clement has to look to strengthen his full-back options in January.
One move that now seems like a no-brainer for Rangers is the addition of Kai Wagner. The German international has been linked with a move to Ibrox in recent weeks, with the Daily Record [28 December] reporting that Ibrox scouts have been scouting the left-back.
Wagner’s contract with Philadelphia Union expired at the beginning of 2024 and the full-back is now available on a free transfer. With news breaking about Yilmaz’s future at Ibrox, the Gers have to be readying a contract for the defender.
The 26-year-old has registered an impressive 32 assists in 170 appearances during his time in the MLS and would more than likely be able to step in and replace the Turkish defender in Clement’s side.
Hopefully, a deal can be agreed to bring Wagner to Ibrox before Yilmaz even departs Glasgow to ensure that Clement isn’t left short of options following the winter break.
In other Rangers news, Keith Jackson has destroyed Cyriel Dessers labelling him a “serial offender” in a new Lawrence Shankland plea