Ridvan Yilmaz wanted with Rangers exit on cards in January
Ridvan Yilmaz is a January transfer target for Trabzonspor as questions arise over his long-term future at Rangers, according to Ersan Serdal.
The Turkish journalist reported on X (27 December) that Trabzonspor manager Senol Gunes personally wants the Super Lig club to sign Yilmaz, who has made just 12 appearances this term.
Trabzonspor already have two ex-Ibrox players on their books having signed John Lundstram and Borna Barsisic on free transfers in the summer, and now want to add another left-back in Yilmaz to their ranks.
Serdal said: “Exclusive. Trabzonspor is interested in Rangers’ Ridvan Yilmaz. Senol Gunes personally wants this transfer.”
Rangers exit for Ridvan Yilmaz edging closer in January
Injuries on an increasingly regular basis certainly haven’t helped Yilmaz’s cause at Ibrox since signing from Besiktas in 2022, with the 23-year-old making just 40 league appearances across three seasons.
A meagre seven of those have come this term, with Yilmaz making just two Premiership starts and falling well behind Brazilian youngster Jefte in Philippe Clement’s left-back ranks at Ibrox.
Clement has had to use utility players Dujon Sterling and the now-injured Neraysho Kasanwirjo, as well as academy product Robbie Fraser, on the left flank of his defence due to Yilmaz’s unreliable fitness.
With the Belgian unlikely to be bringing in many additions unless existing squad members are moved on in January [Chris Jack, 24 December], selling Yilmaz could facilitate an upgrade in this area of the pitch.
Yilmaz’s display in a dismal defeat at St. Mirren on Boxing Day left a lot to be desired, and Trabzonspor’s interest suggests the time may be right for his forgettable spell in Govan to come to an early end.
In other Rangers news, two Ibrox academy products look set for early exits in January given their current status at Auchenhowie.
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