Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has claimed Ridvan Yilmaz will not be leaving the club on loan in January amid links to the likes of Galatasaray and Trabzonspor.
The Turkish international left-back, 21, joined the Gers in the summer in a reported £3.4m rising to £5m deal [Sky Sports] from Super Lig outfit Besiktas.
But so far Rangers have used the youngster sparingly as he begins to settle into life in Glasgow and outside of Turkey for the first time.
A lack of game time for Ridvan Yilmaz has perturbed supporters amid stumbling Rangers form, the club’s fans curious as to why such a substantial summer investment has not been able to impact the first team.
The player stands as the club’s biggest summer signing financially but so far Ridvan has played all of four games for the side and started twice.
This is the same reason why Turkish outlets have began linking clubs in the player’s homeland with a January loan move, with Ridvan Yilmaz signing a five-year contract at Ibrox in the summer.
Takvim had initially claimed that Galatasaray were looking to offer Ridvan Yilmaz a January repreive with Fanatik following this up by linking Trabzonspor.
Ridvan Yilmaz close to more Rangers exposure
Speaking to the press ahead of the club’s League Cup clash against Dundee, Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has talked down these claims as he suggested Ridvan Yilmaz is close to more first-team minutes.
The Dutch coach claimed that the player has not been so involved as he settles into life in the UK and suggested Rangers have no intention to let him leave this January.
“I am happy with his development,” said van Bronckhorst [Rangers].
“When he came he had to adapt to a new team, to living abroad. He is still young so it takes a little bit more time for him to be comfortable.
“But you can see a difference between the Ridvan who came and the Ridvan at the moment. For me, he is in a much better place.
“That is why we gave him minutes in the game against St Mirren this month because he is doing well. He will continue his development and he is probably much closer to playing in the first team at the moment.
“How many players do you see who sign for £70m or £80m who take time to adapt to their clubs? Every time we have players who need time to adapt it seems to be considered a problem. It is not a problem.
“It is just the way we have to deal with different circumstances. That is very important. For him, it is different to Tom Lawrence or Rabbi Matondo. They are used to living in the UK so it is no problem for them.
“For him, it is a really big step. He [Ridvan Yilmaz] needs to adapt to his new team mates, to a new playing style, new tactics. But, as I said, he is much closer now to playing and to starting than he was a couple of months ago. So for me there is no debate about loaning him out or anything. Nothing.”
Click HERE to find out if Ridvan Yilmaz made our Rangers predicted XI for the visit of Dundee.
