Rangers will need to sell players this summer, not just to raise transfer funds but to move on those who can’t stay fit and justify their salary.
Five players have been allowed to leave the club, some with dubious medical records and Tom Lawrence and Ridvan Yilmaz have also seen their names linked with moves.
It is the latter who has been the subject of speculation throughout his time at Rangers, but there has been an update suggesting that he is going nowhere, for now.
Ridvan Yilmaz’s Rangers future clarified despite transfer interest
Speaking on The Rangers Review, Chris Jack has claimed that Ridvan is not for sale and that the player himself doesn’t want to leave either.
It’s easier said than done though because Philippe Clement was clearly frustrated at not being able to pick his best players last season due to injuries and Ridvan is one of those who was most guilty.
In January, there were similar rumours and the manager gave a hint as to what it would take for Rangers to entertain selling the left-back now:
“For every player at Rangers, if there comes an offer that cannot be refused or is a good thing for the club then we need to discuss it.
“At the moment that is not the case. Ridvan is here and he started the game.
“We will see. Players also need to show they really want to be here in the next couple of months.
“We need to be prepared for everything, for every position also and make sure that we have solutions.
“That is one position that we have two players. One is end of contract, the other one there is a lot of rumours around.
“So it is clear that we need to be ready for that position. We cannot go on in three competitions with one left full-back. That is correct. And in other positions it is the same.”
Rangers could have a change of heart after January interest
If Rangers had been able to sign Jefte in January when it looked like a deal was close, things might have been different.
Thomas Galdames has been linked and can cover centrally or at left-back, securing his signature might invoke a change of heart.
As Clement said, every player has their price and Ridvan Yilmaz is no different as Rangers look to rebuild a squad in desperate need of repair.
Signed in a £6m deal for an initial payment of £3.5m, it would be a surprise if Rangers didn’t entertain offers of a similar amount.
With a run of games in the early stages of 2024, Ridvan proved what level of play that he is capable of and if he had the durability of James Tavernier on the other side of the pitch, his value would be multiplied.
Rangers can’t go into next season with doubts about fitness or hoping that players can stay fit.
Philippe Clement wants a new start, keeping players who can’t be relied upon will only see the same outcomes.
