Cifuentes, Yilmaz and Matondo: Rangers trio among six potential summer exits
Rangers are expected to have an extremely busy transfer window as they transition into the Russell Martin era.
The Gers have already welcomed five new faces since the start of the summer, but potential sales have arguably gathered more attention during that period.
Rangers seem destined to lose Hamza Igamane, with the Moroccan’s move to Ligue 1 side Lille seemingly imminent. His fellow frontman Cyriel Dessers has also been hotly tipped to depart Govan, while Nico Raksin’s future is also thought to be uncertain.
A few high-profile departures would undoubtedly serve as a blow for Martin and Co., but it would at least increase the size of the transfer budget available for Kevin Thelwell to work with.
Cifuentes, Yilmaz and Matondo among six to leave Ibrox
The level of interest in key players has understandably been a concern at Ibrox, but it also looks extremely likely that several squad players will also depart.
Martin will need the squad to be trimmed in order for continued upgrades to be made, and as many as six exits have been mooted as a possibility before this summer’s transfer window shuts.
It is even thought that Ridvan Yilmaz, who cost the Gers £5million, will be among those who depart, according to The Scottish Sun’s Head of Sport Roger Hannah (8 July).
“I think (Leon) King could go, I think Robin Propper could go back to the Netherlands, I think Ross McCausland could go,” Hannah said.
“I think Jose Cifuentes will probably go again, I think Rabbi Matondo will probably go again. It’ll be interesting to see who else.
“Yilmaz – he’s lost his number three jersey to Max Aarons, I don’t know whether I’m reading too much into that. There’s been speculation almost since the moment he came here that he would go back to Turkey.”
Rangers should try and recoup some cash for Yilmaz
Yilmaz had previously submitted a transfer request in a bid to try and force through a move to Besiktas, and with Aarons now through the door, it makes sense for the Gers to try and recoup some of their outlay on the 24-year-old.
He endured a difficult season due to injuries last term, but he has struggled to ever properly settle at Ibrox.
Matondo and Cifuentes both had loan stints away from Rangers last summer, and it seems highly unlikely that Martin will want either in and around his squad this term.
Propper is another man who could potentially command a relatively small fee, while McCausland and King have failed to properly establish themselves as first-team regulars.
Loan moves may be the most likely outcome for the majority of the six on Hannah’s list, but that would still prove beneficial for the Bears providing they could secure agreements that saw the loan clubs shoulder the majority of the wages.
Clearing the wagebill to some extent would provide Thelwell with greater room to manouvre in the market, and allow him to work with Martin to continue to target exciting additions.
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