Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Fri 18 April 2025 7:10, UK

Ridvan Yilmaz may never line up for Rangers again under Barry Ferguson after starting the defeat against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.

The Gers were unfortunate to fall out of the Europa League on 17 April as a Nico Williams header helped the LaLiga outfit to a 2-0 win.

This came on a night where the Govan club saw nothing go their way as multiple tactical changes were required due to frequent injury problems.

As a result, it was a difficult evening for Ferguson and could end Yilmaz’s spell at Ibrox once and for all.

Yilmaz may never play for Ferguson again at Rangers

The Turkyie international came in from the start against the Spanish side but was only able to last for five minutes before being forced off.

This certainly came as a blow as the Light Blues were forced to make their first change of the evening to bring on Connor Barron in a first change of approach.

This certainly didn’t help matters for the away side as they struggled to deal with the alterations throughout the clash.

With that being said, the injury could potentially spell bad news for Yilmaz in Govan, considering just five games are remaining of the season.

Considering the 23-year-old has also been linked with a return to Besiktas for many months, his exit from Ibrox could come before his next outing.

This could coincide with the departure of Ferguson from the dugout in G51, who may be out of the job when his interim contract ends at the end of the campaign.

Rangers struggle in Athletic Club defeat

The raft of changes for the Gers certainly never helped on the night at San Mames Barria and ultimately played its role in the defeat.

The loss of Yilmaz was one thing, but things only got worse when Leon Balogun was forced off after less than five minutes in the second half.

Ferguson was left to rely on the likes of Barron and Hamza Igamane off the bench, but in truth, it never really worked for the Scot.

This could prove to be his last European outing in interim charge of the Light Blues, but it was a valiant effort against a top side.