BBC Sportscene pundit shares Ridvan Yilmaz exit claim at Rangers on air after win v Hibernian – ‘Strange’
BBC Sportscene pundit Neil McCann thinks it would be “strange” if Rangers were to allow Ridvan Yilmaz to depart before the end of the transfer window without drafting in a replacement.
Bursadabugun reported on Thursday (25 January) that Rangers have now decided not to sell Yilmaz, who has been heavily linked to Galatasaray, following his goal in the 3-0 win at Hibernian on Wednesday (24 January).
McCann thinks the Turkey international left-back, 22, is looking to depart Ibrox before the February 1 deadline as he has not always had a consistent run in the team but that he could still have a future in Glasgow.
Speaking on BBC Sportscene (24 January, 12m, 41s), he said: “I think there’s still a chance he could have a future, if they don’t get a replacement ready to bring in then I would find it strange they would let Yilmaz walk out the door.
“I think the boy’s maybe looking for a move because of his lack of use, I think he’s struggled to find consistency, have a freedom of injury where he’s getting a place in the team.”
Looking unlikely
It is a bit of a strange one with Yilmaz, because a couple of months ago not many Rangers fans would have been overly disappointed to see the 22-year-old depart the club this month, especially if a replacement could be brought in.
But actually he’s started to have a decent little run in the team under Philippe Clement and showing some good form, especially providing a threat going forward – as proved by his excellent goal in the 3-0 win at Hibs.
Plus the longer the window goes on the harder it will be to strike a deal for a option to come in for Yilmaz and one thing Rangers won’t want to do at this juncture is take any huge risks.
Left-back is an area they will need to look to address long term a Borna Barisic is out of contract in the summer, but for now it might be better to sort of get through the next few months with the options already available.
In other Rangers news, John Collins was wowed by what Jack Butland did against Hibs.
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