Rangers transfer news as talks underway for Ridvan Yilmaz exit already
Hellas Verona have opened talks with Rangers for Ridvan Yilmaz amid Philippe Clement’s search for a new left-back, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.
The Italian newspaper reported [3 January, page 22] that the Serie A club are interested in the Gers full-back, who has slowly earned the trust of Clement since he took over the managerial reigns in October.
It is understood, however, that the Belgian will be on the lookout for a new left-back during the January transfer window, with Yilmaz and Borna Barisic his options in the position currently.
Searching for a replacement
The Turkish full-back was one of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s signings during the 2022 summer transfer window but a hamstring plagued his 2022/23 season.
Coming back from injury this season too, Michael Beale was patient with the 22-year-old but Clement has been able to see the left-back to his full potential. He is clearly not that impressed and wants a new transfer for the position.
Rangers paid a fee of £3.4million for Yilmaz, rising to £5.3million with add-ons [BBC Sport]. If Verona are to come in for the full-back, the Gers will be hoping to break even on Yilmaz rather than lose money on the player.
With Clement struggling to implement his own style of football, mainly due to Beale’s spending spree last summer, there are little to no funds left for the current manager to make his signings. A large transfer fee for Yilmaz could definitely benefit the club.
The former coach brought in the likes of Sam Lammers from Atalanta, Cyriel Dessers from Cremonese and Feyenoord’s Danilo, who were all multi-million-pound deals.
And with players already linked to Rangers amid the search for a new left-back, such as Liverpool’s Owen Beck, it will not be difficult to replace the Turkish defender if he is to leave this January.
In other Rangers news, a rival manager has admitted he would “love” to see an Ibrox target secure a move.