Rangers must hurry January exit for Ridvan Yilmaz as ‘number one’ transfer update emerges at Galatasaray
Despite many conflicting reports, Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz remains Galatasaray’s “number one” left-back target during the January transfer window, according to Kutlu Akpinar.
The Turkish journalist told Tivibu Spor on Monday (22 January) that the Light Blues’ full-back remains the primary target for the European giants this month as they look to strengthen their backline in the closing stages of the window.
Yilmaz has been repeatedly linked with the exit door this month, with both Hellas Verona and Galatasaray holding an interest in the 22-year-old and he was the subject of the Turkish giant’s only bid during the January transfer window [Mustafa Ozgur Sancar, 22 January].
But it has previously been suggested that Galatasaray were not putting “intense pressure” to get the deal over the line [Nevzat Dindar, 22 January], but it now appears they remain keen on securing Yilmaz’s signature.
It had seemed as though Galatasaray’s interest in Yilmaz had begun to cool in the last few days, but Akpinar’s latest update suggests that the Turkish giants haven’t yet given up their hopes of signing the 22-year-old this month.
As the end of the transfer window draws ever closer, teams will have to become more decisive over their transfer plans and that could well see Galatasaray make a late push to secure Yilmaz’s signature in the final stages of the window.
Rangers may be reluctant to cash in on a player who has worked his way into Philippe Clement’s plans, especially in a position where they are already incredibly short of options but, if the Turkish giants submit a reasonable offer, they may well have to accept it.
However, the Light Blues cannot allow such a high-profile exit to be completed so close to the end of the window as it could potentially harm their chances of finding a suitable replacement and spending the money generated by Yilmaz’s sale.
If the Gers don’t hurry this deal along quickly, their chances of mounting a serious challenge for the Scottish Premiership title will be dented massively as they cannot afford to approach the second half of the season with only one recognised left-back.
This deal certainly feels like one that will rumble on between now and the end of the window and really could go either way, especially with news emerging that Galatasaray still view him as their “number one” target.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has shared his verdict on where the Gers have to improve this January
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