Rangers have officially announced a deal for Besiktas left-back and Turkey international Ridvan Yilmaz in one of the most exciting Ibrox transfers in a generation.
Yilmaz, 21, is a highly-coveted young full-back with winning experience at Besiktas and a fledgling reputation in European football.
Signing on a five-year deal for an initial £3.4m rising to £5m [Sky Sports], if things go right at Ibrox that fee could prove a snip as Rangers’ playing trading model evolves this year.
Signed to replace Calvin Bassey, Rangers recouping up to £23m for the Nigerian international, the club will rake in an additional £26m from the sales of Nathan Patterson (up to £16m) and Joe Aribo (up to £10m).
As a result of the £49m the club has a recouped this year they’ve been able to shop in a different and more lucrative marketplace so let’s hope this is a deal that benefits all parties.
Rangers secure deal for Besiktas left-back Ridvan Yilmaz
With the eyes of several European clubs watching this deal, if Ridvan Yilmaz can continue his progression at Ibrox then there’s no reason why the kid won’t command similar record-breaking fees in the future.
But it’s not just in the future potential that Rangers see this move as a good deal, sporting director Ross Wilson is clear Ridvan Yilmaz has been added for his qualities right now.
“Gio and I were clear in our desire to invest in a high-potential and high-quality left back,” said Wilson [Rangers].
“We have now secured that in the signing of Ridvan Yilmaz. He’s a talented young player who has been coveted throughout Europe following outstanding performances for Besiktas. We also know how highly regarded he is in the Turkish National Team.
“This is another exciting young player to join our squad, and we are delighted to bring Ridvan to Rangers.”
As things progress at Ibrox we can expect to see more of these kind of deals in the future, even if this may be the seventh and final signing of this transfer window.
Meanwhile, visiting Rangers fans to Ibrox are set to be impacted by a series of frustrating subway strikes.