Sport
Rangers player asked for £1.7m to quit in January
Ridvan Yilmaz is said to have asked for £1.7million to join Galatasaray from Rangers in the January transfer window, according to Yakup Cinar.
The Yeni Acik journalist reported via a YouTube stream on Monday (5 February) that the 22-year-old asked for the money which is almost double what he gets at Ibrox currently.
It is understood that Rangers wanted £4.3million for the permanent transfer of Yilmaz but were open to a loan move with an option to buy at the end of the season. [Burhan Can Terzi]
Rangers reap rewards of failed transfer
Despite the recent transfer rumours surrounding Yilmaz, the full-back has gone from strength to strength under Philippe Clement and seems right at home at Ibrox.
During the transfer window, the player recorded a goal against Hibernian and an assist against Kilmarnock, proving just how vital he is to the Gers. His three most recent games also include clean sheets.
Even with Borna Barisic in the squad, Yilmaz looks to be the preferred left-back, and considering the failed signing of Jefte from Fluminense last month, he is more important than ever.
Clement made it very clear that a new full-back was desired. However, even with that news in the press, Yilmaz’s professionalism throughout the scepticism and rumours was second to none.
Rangers would have been left in a very difficult predicament if their star left-back were to have left, with no real replacement available for him. Dujon Sterling would be the only possible cover but he looks to be more comfortable in midfield now.
The Ibrox side now look to be reaping the rewards of the Turkish defender’s failed move to Galatasaray. It will be interesting to see whether Clement has changed his mind on the signing of a brand-new full-back come the summer or if Jefte will be on the club’s radar again.
