Rangers suffered a massive blow following Calvin Bassey’s transfer to Ajax but, at the same time, made an exciting addition by roping in young left fullback Ridvan Yilmaz from Besiktas. However, they might raid the Turkish side once more amid interest in Kartal Yilmaz, Fotomac (as claimed by The Daily Record) understands.
The 21-year-old midfielder progressed through the academy ranks of KBBKSpor and Besiktas before breaking into the latter’s senior side in October 2019. His game-time was limited for the Istanbul giants and a loan move to Ümraniyespor was sanctioned midway through the 2020-21 season. He rejoined them last summer and became integral to their first-ever Super Lig promotion.
Yilmaz scored once and laid on 7 more in 30 league outings during the previous campaign and his availability on a minuscule €1m has alerted the Light Blues. They are gearing up for the Premiership battle from Saturday onwards, but gaffer Giovanni van Bronckhorst is focusing more on next week’s UEFA Champions League third qualifying round fixture against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Having said that, he has not ruled out further transfer business before the window is slammed shut.
“Hopefully we’ll sign a new player this week but my focus is fully on the Champions League and we all know what benefits come from reaching the group stage – the development of my players and, of course, financially for the club.”
The Dutchman told Sky Sports (as quoted by the Daily Record) in a recent interview.
Why Rangers Should Rope In Another Midfielder
Rangers are well equipped in midfield, but the exit of Joe Aribo is a major setback given his mastery as well as versatility. Despite keeping close tabs on Adem Zorgane, James McAtee and Angelo Fulgini, the Gers are yet to replace the Nigerian in the middle of the pitch.
John Lunstram and Ryan Jack enjoyed a great spell as the double pivot, but the contract situation of the Scotsman remains unclear with his current deal set to expire in summer 2023. Steven Davis, 37, could only be considered as a sporadic option, and so is 33-year-old Scott Arfield, who has mostly been effective from an advanced role.
James Sands, the winter recruit from New York City FC, still needs time to cement a starting status, whereas Malik Tillman, Tom Lawrence and Alex Lowry are likely to operate as ‘number 10’ for their attacking expertise and creative spark. Glen Kamara is the only other regular ‘number 8’ (has also featured as a deep-lying playmaker occasionally) apart from Lundstram and Jack, and Rangers, therefore, should step up the chase for the other Yilmaz.
