Sport
New twist emerges as Euro club now ready late bid to sign Rangers player – report
Galatasaray could now make a late push to sign Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz, according to Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.
The Turkish journalist shared on his X account (2 February) that the Super Lig giants submitted a bid to sign Levent Mercan from Fatih Karagumruk, which was rejected.
It is now reported that Galatasaray could now turn their attention to signing Yilmaz before the Turkish transfer deadline on 9 February.
Sabuncuoglu posted: “Fatih Karagümrük rejected Galaatsaray’s offer for Levent Mercan. At left back, the route returned to Rıdvan Yılmaz.”
Sabuncuoglu shared on 1 February that Galatasaray will not need permission or approval should they find an agreement with Rangers unlike another interested suitor Besiktas.
Philippe Clement should demand Ridvan Yilmaz stay at Ibrox
It does seem like it’s a two-way battle between the two clubs for Yilmaz’s signature but Galatasaray are clearly the leading candidates given the work they’re putting in.
However, Rangers are yet to sign a left-back which means the two clubs face a dilemma in their pursuit. Clement will not sanction an exit for Yilmaz without a replacement and now that the transfer window is over, any exit is incredibly unlikely.
Also, the Turk’s recent emergence as the first-choice left-back ahead of Borna Barisic underscores his importance to the team and that momentum cannot be ended right now.
With the collapse of the deal to bring in Jefte from Fluminense, Clement’s side would be left short-handed in the left-back position if they were to part ways with Yilmaz.
The 22-year-old’s performances in recent weeks have started to win over the fans and Clement, showcasing his defensive solidity and attacking contributions.
Selling him now, even if Galatasaray match the Rangers demand for the full-back will be incredibly silly and it’s important the Gers knock back all and every approach from Galatasaray.
In other Rangers news, it has been revealed just how close the Gers came to signing Lawrence Shankland in the January window
