Rangers Eyeing Swoop For This Turkish Sensation: Why It’s A Smart Transfer Strategy From The Gers

Rangers have received a record fee from Calvin Bassey’s Ajax move and a small chunk of the amount has already been invested to rope in Ben Davies from Liverpool. If a report from the Daily Record is believed to be accurate, the Gers are also weighing up a summer swoop for the highly-rated Besiktas left-back Ridvan Yilmaz.

The 21-year-old Turkey international was close to completing a £4m transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt. Although the Germans offered the fee in instalments, Besiktas’ demand for an upfront payment has now jeopardised the deal. The Light Blues, aware of the situation, are exploring the possibility of tying down the youngster.

Yilmaz progressed through the academy ranks of the Black Eagles before breaking into their senior side back in April 2019. Despite an initial sporadic status, the Turkish prodigy cemented a starting role last season under Sergen Yalcin. Yalcin’s dismissal did not impact his game-time as he continued to feature under the interim chief Önder Karaveli followed by current boss Valérien Ismaël. With 3 goals and 4 assists in 33 outings, the talented left fullback exhibited his potential across competitions.

Yilmaz’s marauding runs, crossing and passing excellence depict the attacking flair of his game. Also, the composure at the back, as well as concentration, showcase his all-round ability down the flank. The ceiling is quite high for the Besiktas prospect, and the gaffer Giovanni van Bronckhorst should find it exciting to manage the young ace if a deal is agreed in the due course of time.

Why It’s A Smart Move From Rangers

Rangers have been smart so far with their approach toward replacing Bassey in the long run. The Nigerian began as a left fullback but was shifted to deep defence at a later stage to cope with the injury woes of their centre-backs. However, he proved to be a revelation in the heart of the backline and the Gers, therefore, opted for two new names rather than searching for a like-for-like successor for the 22-year-old Super Eagles international.

Davies earned a surprise move to Anfield from Preston North End back in January 2021. He was brought in to restore depth amid injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, but the Englishman never featured for the Reds during his brief tenure of one and a half years. The centre-half spent the previous term on loan at Sheffield United, and the transfer to Ibrox should now see him challenge and cover Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Nikola Katic and Filip Helander in the defensive third.

Davies and Yilmaz, together, could succeed Bassey for years to come, and the Glasgow giants must make it happen prior to their crucial Champions League qualifiers.