The future of Rangers’ promising left-back, Ridvan Yilmaz, hangs in the balance as the January transfer window nears its close. Galatasaray, with Yilmaz reportedly their top target, has faced a firm price tag from the Scottish giants: €6 million (£5.1 million).
Turkish journalist Ali Naci Kucuk revealed on Fútbol Arena that Rangers dismissed an initial loan offer from Galatasaray, which included €500,000 upfront and a potential €3 million down the line.
Kucuk reports that Galatasaray have reached an agreement with Yilmaz over personal terms – despite conflicting reports that Yilmaz wants to stay in Scotland.
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The Gers, however, are uninterested in anything less than a definitive transfer and their €6 million valuation reflects their faith in the 22-year-old’s talent.
It’s been 18 months since Rangers landed Yilmaz from Istanbul club Besiktas for an initial £3.4 million, with the deal potentially reaching £5 million. Galatasaray, however, appears to need further squad adjustments before they can afford such a move.
Rangers fans are naturally keeping a close eye on Yilmaz’s future, particularly after earlier links to Italian side Verona cooled down.
Manager Philippe Clement, however, seems unfazed by the speculation, reiterating that Rangers will only sell if the deal is right for both the club and the player. Yilmaz himself remains committed to his current role, with no internal pressure suggesting a desire to leave.
As the clock ticks down on the transfer window, all eyes are on Galatasaray. Will they meet Rangers’ demands and secure their “number one” target? Only time will tell if the Turkish giants can put their money where their mouth is and entice Yilmaz away from Ibrox.
