(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

'Yilmaz to never play for Ferguson again' after Rangers defeat v Athletic Club

Max Wilkins

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at GRV Media and VAVEL; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Exclusive content, statistical analysis, and deep-dive reporting across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Max utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, exclusive reporting and data-driven insight. He provides the intelligence behind the stories to ensure fans get the full picture.

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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.

Ridvan Yilmaz came off early for Rangers v Athletic Club (Credit: Imago)
Ridvan Yilmaz came off early for Rangers v Athletic Club (Credit: Imago)

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.

Ridvan Yilmaz could be set to leave Rangers (Credit: Imago)
Ridvan Yilmaz could be set to leave Rangers (Credit: Imago)

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.

MinuteOnOff
23'Connor BarronRidvan Yilmaz
46'Clinton NsialaIanis Hagi
50'Hamza IgamaneLeon Balogun
84'Nedim BajramiVaclav Cerny
84'DaniloMohamed Diomande
Rangers substitutions v Athletic Bilbao

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.

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