Ridvan Yilmaz exit: Final update on Rangers exit after last-gasp move
Rangers have priced out Besiktas over a move for Ridvan Yilmaz, according to Mustafa Korkusuz.
The TRT Spor journalist based on Turkiye has reported (4 February) that following Gers’ failure to sign a replacement left-back before the Scottish transfer deadline at 11pm on Monday (3 February), they will not sanction a move to the Super Lig without a hefty fee.
Besiktas offered an £830,000 loan fee on Deadline Day with a £2.5million obligation to buy Yilmaz (Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, 3 February), but the Light Blues were not receptive to the offer and would have had just hours to identify and sign a player to fill the void.
Korkusuz said on the TRT Spor podcast, as quoted by Sedece Besiktas on X (4 February): “Rangers really wanted a transfer fee for Rıdvan Yılmaz. Beşiktaş couldn’t afford those costs.
“The transfer period in Scotland is closed. Rangers didn’t buy a left-back to replace him.
“I think the book on Rıdvan is closed this term.”
The Turkish transfer deadline does not hit until 11 February, meaning Yilmaz could still complete a move, but a deal is now far less likely to be agreed.
Rangers now cannot replace Yilmaz if they sell him
While some have been confused as to why Rangers did not take the money for Yilmaz and run, others now understand the predicament which would have arisen at Ibrox.
Had the Gers accepted an offer and allowed the Turkish international to return his homeland, there would have been just hours to find a replacement for considerably less than the sum they wanted for Yilmaz.
Some fans will be satisfied that Rangers did not allow themselves to be a doormat for the 16-time Super Lig champions, accepting less than their valuation of the player which is said to be around £4.1million (Sabah, 31 January).
It was an underwhelming window, really. Several departures were sanctioned to help clear out the squad, predominantly via loans although Alex Lowry and Zak Lovelace left on permanent deals. Only Rafael Fernandes came through the entrance door at Ibrox, on loan from Lille.
At least now, Rangers have clarity on how their squad will look in the remaining months of the campaign. But they must not be bullied into submission for their left-back during the final days of the Turkish window.
In other Rangers news, while others left Ibrox in the winter window, Cyriel Dessers stays.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.