Ridvan Yilmaz decision made by Philippe Clement amid Rangers transfer talks ahead of Hibs clash
Ridvan Yilmaz will start again for Rangers against Hibs while the club continue transfer talks to sell him, according to Yağız Sabuncuoğlu.
The Sports Digitale journalist reported via Twitter on 24 January ahead of the trip to Easter Road that the Light Blues are still holding discussions over a possible sale, with no agreement yet reached.
He had reported earlier the same day that the Turkish full-back has rejected the chance to move to Hellas Verona in Serie A.
Sabuncuoğlu wrote: “Rangers and Galatasaray continue negotiations for Rıdvan Yılmaz, but there is no agreement or a new official offer made by Galatasaray yet. Rıdvan will start the Hibernian match tonight in the first 11.”
Faith
It is a show of faith in Ridvan’s attitude that Philippe clement is continuing to start the 22-year-old despite his future being as uncertain at Ibrox as at any point in the 18 months since he arrived from Besiktas.
The manager had admitted when asked about the same subject prior to the Scottish Cup victory at Dumbarton on 20 January that players could still leave even if they are playing currently, but as long as their focus is right he was confident in using them.
It is ironic that despite links to a return to Turkey throughout his time at Ibrox the possibility appears to be most real just at the time when he is showing some of his best form for the club.
The run of five consecutive starts in all competitions is arguably some of the strongest performances Rangers have got from Yilmaz, aside from his finish to last season under Michael Beale which proved to be a false dawn.
Assuming he stays fit that should mean that if he ends up not leaving this month he might finally start to be the regular starter he was supposed to be.
Borna Barisic, himself linked with a departure live during the Cup win, has been injured of late yet has more often than not retained the number one position, so developments over the next week will be key in relation to whether he manages to do so once more.
In other Rangers news, another attacker is now set to leave this month in a confirmed transfer window update.
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