Ridvan Yilmaz wanted to join Rangers to escape the ‘phycological pressure’ that comes with representing Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas, the club’s president Ahmet Nur Cebi claims.
A year-and-a-half on from his £3.4 million move to Ibrox, the Turkey international is finding out that wearing the deep blue shirt of Rangers brings with it plenty of ‘pressure’ as well.
Ridvan Yilmaz has had to endure his fair share of criticism in Scotland. Arriving amid lofty expectations but struggling to dislodge Borna Barisic as Rangers’ number one left-back.
A potential return to his Turkish homeland during the January transfer window is a topic of much discussion at present, but it remains to be seen how Yilmaz feels about retracing his steps and coming back to a league he was so keen to escape only 18 months earlier.
Rangers face Ridvan Yilmaz decision
“Ridvan Yilmaz came and kissed my hand,” Cebi tells Beyaz TV, explaining the discussions which led to the full-back’s departure full-back’s departure in the summer of 2022, via Sporx.
“He said ‘I am under psychological pressure here,’ and wanted to leave.”
Yilmaz got his wish. Rangers reportedly fought off competition from an Eintracht Frankfurt side who had defeated them in the Europa League final a few weeks earlier. Tottenham Hotspur were also linked at the time.
Still second choice at Ibrox
Speculation over Yilmaz’s Ibrox future continues to rage on these days. He has made only four Scottish Premiership starts throughout 2022/23.
Necdet Ergezen, the 22-year-old’s agent, has reportedly jetted into Glasgow to discuss his future.
“Ridvan Yilmaz’s manager went to Scotland to meet with Rangers,” tweeted Turkish reporter Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.
“They are not very happy with Ridvan’s playing stability. There will be a meeting between the parties regarding the future of the player.”
Galatasaray, Besiktas’ local rivals, are among the clubs linked with Yilmaz. Though they have been warned against a ‘risky’ move for a man who has barely kicked a ball of late.
