Ridvan Yilmaz might have struggled to settle into the Rangers side since joining in the summer – but that doesn’t mean the Turkish international is ready to take a return flight back to Istanbul.
The Gers reportedly forked out an initial £3.6m to bring Ridvan to Glasgow from Besiktas this summer but so far the 21-year-old Turkish international hasn’t found his feet in the UK.
This is the young defender’s first foray outside of Turkey and as the talented left-back settles into a new way of life we’re sure it won’t be long before fans see why the fee could rise to £5m [Sky Sports].
In the meantime those pesky Turkish newspapers can’t resist ruffling a few feathers and there have been reports aplenty regarding a potential return to the centre of the former Ottoman Empire.
Istanbul clubs Besiktas and Galatasaray have been linked with a loan return, whilst reigning Turkish champs Trabzonspor are another name mentioned. Read more HERE.
Ridvan agent shuts down Rangers exit links
The links have made it all the way to Ridvan’s representatives and the player’s agent was quick to refute the suggestion of a potential early return to Turkey.
Whilst the agent confirmed that it hasn’t all been smooth sailing since switching the banks of the Black Sea for the banks of Loch Lomond, it’s clear both Ridvan and his people are committed to the project at Rangers.
“It should not be forgotten that Ridvan’s transfer process was not very happy this summer,” explains agent Necdet Ergezen, whilst speaking to Turkish outlet Gazete Damga.
“This is a project. We stand behind this, both me and the player. We did not take Ridvan to Europe to return him to Turkey after 5 months.”
The message is certainly loud and clear from camp Ridvan and let’s hope under the guidance of Michael Beale the young Turk can get firing and prove the decision to move to Rangers a correct one.
In the meantime, Rangers are looking deep into their squad for left-back reinforcements with one potential £23m regen seemingly lower down in the pecking order than expected.
