Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz entourage issues transfer admission over Ibrox exit
The entourage of Ridvan Yilmaz have cleared the air over whether or not an agreement has been reached with Rangers for a transfer.
Sports Digitale journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, who has over a million Twitter followers, claims that the Turkey international’s entourage have said that there is no agreement with any team.
The Scottish Sun reported on 14 January that the Ibrox outfit has rejected a loan offer made by Galatasaray.
Sabuncuoglu said on the Sports Digitale YouTube channel, as translated by Turkish Football: “He rejected the offer from Galatasaray. Right now, Ridvan Yilmaz continues to play, and Philippe Clement has no desire to lose him on loan to Galatasaray. I also talked to Ridvan’s entourage, and they said, ‘We do not have an agreement with any team yet.’
“Let me tell you, Galatasaray have to loan him through a compulsory purchase. For this, they do not fall below €5million. If a figure of €5million (£4.3million) or more comes directly, they will accept his sale and let him go. But for now, Ridvan is playing.
“Ridvan is one of the professionals in the current squad who is currently on Rangers’ need list. There is a perception that they want to get rid of Ridvan but there is no such situation.
“We have mentioned the Verona transfer, let’s not forget them. If they sell their left back, they will buy Ridvan. There are reports in the foreign press about the cancellation of that transfer.”
Waiting for a replacement?
Rangers’ reluctance to let Yilmaz leave right away may stem from their strategic approach to securing a replacement.
With Philippe Clement expressing a desire for Yilmaz to stay but not really confirming that he will, the club’s ideal scenario involves keeping the Turkish talent beyond January.
The hefty £4.3million price tag on Yilmaz could be a bargaining chip, ensuring Gers receive adequate compensation.
The ongoing negotiations with Galatasaray, insisting on a compulsory purchase for a loan deal, suggest that Rangers are in a strong negotiating position.
The potential interest from Verona means that Gers can weigh up the two club’s offers against each other and see if they can spark a bidding war potentially.
As things stand, Yilmaz does appear to have his heart set on leaving and it’s understandable given the lack of game time he’s getting.
In other Rangers news, a £4.8million bid update has emerged as development occurs in Gers’ quest to seal a January signing.
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