Italian giants Roma have secured the signing of former Manchester City left-back Angelino in a deal which could open the door for Ridvan Yilmaz to make that much-discussed transfer from Rangers to Galatasaray.
While most of Europe are scrambling around, trying to get their business done before the window closes this week, Galatasaray can afford to sit back, relax, and take their time. The Turkish window is due to remain open until February 9th, after all.
And, with Rangers seemingly closing in on a deal that will see former Brazil youth ace Jefte arrive at Ibrox, the likelihood is that – despite an impressive run of form in recent weeks – Ridvan Yilmaz will be allowed to leave if the price is right at some point over the next fortnight.
Rangers could still sell Ridvan Yilmaz
Galatasaray remain perhaps Yilmaz’s most likely destination. Especially after Hellas Verona, who looked at him as a potential replacement for Josh Doig, brought in Ruben Vinagre from Sporting Lisbon instead.
And if the door was ajar before, then it may have swung wide open today.
Angelino, the £15 million, RB Leipzig-owned left-back, was due to stay at Galatasaray until the end of the current campaign, having arrived on loan in the summer. But with that temporary contract now terminated – Angelino secured a move from Istanbul to Roma on Tuesday afternoon – there is now a left-back shaped hole in the Galatasaray squad.
A hole Yilmaz could fill.
“When I heard the word Roma, I didn’t hesitate,” says Angelino, the well-travelled Spaniard who has also had spells at PSV Eindhoven and Manchester City.
“Today, I’m proud to be a part of a great club with an incredible history and a team full of champions. I’m excited to meet the coach (Jose Mourinho’s replacement, Daniele de Rossi) and my new teammates, and put myself at their disposal.”
Jefte in, Ridvan Yilmaz out at Ibrox?
Yilmaz has a goal and an assist in his last three Scottish Premiership appearances for Rangers. He opened the scoring in the 3-0 win at Hibernian and impressed again during Saturday’s hard-fought triumph vs St Mirren.
Jefte’s arrival could still pave the way for a return to Turkey for the former Besiktas man, however, with the former reportedly set to cost Rangers a bargain £400,000.
