Rangers brace themselves for Ridvan Yilmaz exit as Philippe Clement decision on the cards
Rangers are bracing themselves for late January exit news regarding Ridvan Yilmaz, with Philippe Clement to make a decision on his future, according to Chris Jack.
The Rangers Review journalist shared that Clement will weigh up whether he feels the money made from Yilmaz’s exit could be reinvested into the squad, and if so, will allow him to leave.
With the arrival of Brazilian left-back Jefte expected in the coming days, Jack has suggested the deal would be part of Rangers bracing for Yilmaz’s exit amid links to Galatasaray.
Speaking to The Rangers Review [29 January], Jack reported: “As far as I’m aware there’s no real update on that [Yilmaz’s exit], but it’s clear that Rangers are bracing themselves for that situation.
“The manager spoke after the Copenhagen game saying Ridvan can only leave once we’ve got another player in the door. I still think he is one of the few sellable assets in the squad.
“A big thing for Rangers is: whatever fee they get for him, whatever wages he’s on, does the manager feel that he can utilise that fee and those wages better? If he does, Ridvan leaves, if he thinks he can’t, Ridvan stays.”
Down to the boss to decide
It appears Clement will be left to make the call on Yilmaz’s future at Ibrox, with his recent performances perhaps swinging the pendulum towards remaining in Glasgow if the boss doesn’t think the money would be worth letting him go.
Ultimately, even with the potential arrival of Jefte, Rangers would be short of left-back options if Yilmaz left in the coming days. Injuries to Borna Barisic, and the wider expectation that he could leave at the end of the season, mean both Jefte and Yilmaz could be a part of this squad.
As it stands, Galatasaray are yet to meet Rangers’ asking price for the defender, so there is no decision to be made. The latest reports suggested a £2.9million offer was on the table, but that remains short of the £3.8million asking price.
The boss will be allowed to assess the strength of his squad and the possibilities for reinvestment should the left-back leave Ibrox before the January transfer deadline, and any final decision will rest at his feet.
In other Rangers news, fresh transfer talks are expected to take place this week.
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