Rangers manager Philippe Clement has failed to rule out Ridvan Yilmaz potentially leaving the club after the friendly defeat to Hertha Berlin.
The Ibrox manager was speaking after the 1-0 defeat to the German side at the club’s warm weather winter training camp in Spain.
Ridvan Yilmaz has been strongly linked with a January move to Serie A side Verona but the Turkish international started the friendly match for Rangers at La Manga.
It’s caused a little confusion amid strong left-back transfer links in and out of Ibrox this January and Philippe Clement was pressed on the situation at full time.
Philippe Clement on Ridvan Yilmaz
Speaking to the Rangers Review following the mid-season friendly against Hertha Berlin, Philippe Clement was somewhat coy on the future of Ridvan Yilmaz.
Claiming that the left-back will remain in the Rangers team until he’s transferred out, the Belgian boss certainly didn’t rule anything out with regards a move to Italy.
“It’s the same as the situation with the rumours about players coming in,” Clement said.
“As long as players haven’t signed somewhere else and they are here, they are here.”
The latest links between Ridvan Yilmaz and Verona come from Sky Sports, who claim the Italians hope to secure a loan deal for the Rangers defender.
Nothing settled in Rangers transfer window
The Philippe Clement comments on Ridvan Yilmaz are interesting for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, the Rangers manager didn’t rule out a transfer and the answer is a tad more relaxed than simply refusing to comment on any speculation.
Secondly, they appear to be in keeping with a run of left-back transfer dominoes which need to fall before Verona could theoretically move for Ridvan Yilmaz.
Marseille are reportedly in negotiations to sell left-back Renan Lodi to Saudi club Al-Hilal in a £17m deal which would free up funds for them to invest elsewhere.
The French side could then theoretically move for former Hibs left-back Josh Doig, who is reportedly closing in on a move to Ligue 1.
This would then open up a space in the Verona squad for the Italians to go on and sign Yilmaz from Rangers.
It’s clear nothing has been decided just yet and as Philippe Clement updates on the Ridvan Yilmaz situation, the left-back will be included in the Rangers squad until it is.
