Ridvan Yilmaz made a mistake joining Rangers from Besiktas back in 2022 and should make an ‘urgent’ return to the Turkish Super Lig with Galatasaray showing an interest.
That is according to Acun Ilicali, the Turkish businessman making quite the splash south of the border after taking over Hull City, turning The Tigers into dark horses for a play-off spot in England’s second tier.
Ridvan Yilmaz, despite a couple of eye-catching performances early in the Philippe Clement era, has not made quite such an impression on UK soil.
Rangers could yet cash in on their £3.5 million acquisition before the Super Lig transfer window closes on February 9th too, Galatasaray fuelling the speculation last week when head coach Okan Burak admitted that a left-back is a ‘priority’ at Ali Sami Yen.
Rangers could still sell Ridvan Yilmaz
“Ridvan Yilmaz went to the wrong place,” Ilicali tells GunHaber of the Istanbul-born 22-year-old.
“He needs to make an urgent comeback. Such returns are effective. The Galatasaray management knows best but they can do good work with the Turkish quota.”
Yilmaz, despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his immediate future at Ibrox, has been one of the club’s stand-out performers of late. He’s started each of the last six Scottish Premiership games, grabbing an assist vs Kilmarnock and opening the scoring in last week’s 3-0 win away from home at Hibernian.
Yilmaz out, Jefte in at Ibrox?
Rangers coach Philippe Clement appears to have opened the door for Yilmaz to stay until the summer, though that could be complicated by the potential arrival of fellow left-back Jefte from Fluminense.
Rangers have agreed terms with Jefte’s parent club, but are still to reach an agreement with an APOEL Nicosia side who signed the 20-year-old Brazilian on loan with an option-to-buy in the summer.
“(Yilmaz’s goal at Easter Road vs Hibs) is a brilliant move. It’s a beautiful touch that sets him up and it’s a wonderful finish. He’s a full-back that does his best work going forward, it’s how he is one-on-one defensively,” former Rangers ace Neil McCann tells BBC SportScene.
“If the opportunity comes for the boy to go back to Turkey, which is the suggestion with Galatasaray, I think he’ll take it. But if (Rangers) don’t get a replacement, I don’t think they should sell him. They should keep him.
“He showed (vs Hibs) there’s something there in him. And Philippe Clement has a knack of getting players to turn in performances.”
