Rangers FC

Ridvan Yilmaz could exit Rangers on top of Borna Barisic with Philippe Clement frustrated

Published

2 months ago

April 30, 2024

Ridvan Yilmaz could leave Rangers in the summer despite establishing himself as the starting left-back because his injury issues are so “frustrating” to the manager and his staff, says Derek Ferguson.

The Light Blues had reportedly decided to keep hold of the Turkish international, following a January transfer window full of exit speculation, after it emerged that Borna Barisic was set to leave at the end of his contract for Trabzonspor.

But Yilmaz picked up a new injury while away with Turkey during the international break last month and still hasn’t returned to first-team action despite hopes he could be back weeks ago to face Celtic at Ibrox.

Ferguson believes the fitness issues are a “worry” for Rangers and with Philippe Clement unable to rely on the 22-year-old a suitable offer would likely see him leave in the summer.

He exclusively told Ibrox News: “I think he could go if a club comes in and they’re willing to pay the money. I think it must be frustrating for the manager and the coaching staff that again, he comes into play four or five games, starts to look the part, and then all of a sudden he’s injured.

“You’re nae use if you’re only going to play 10-15 games a season, the modern-day player you’ve got to be capable, certainly if you’re at Rangers, of churning out 35-40 games a season at least.

“So that’s a factor to take into consideration, and it’s a worry. He’s showed enough that he can be good for us, but he needs to sort that fitness side out.

“I know he’s been away with the national side when he picked it up but for me it’s just a worry, so it is.

Rangers Borna Barisic — Rangers could see two left-backs leave with Borna Barisic already due to depart.

Rangers problem position continues to be an issue at Ibrox

As recently as two months ago it looked as if the Light Blues might have finally solved their long-standing issues at left-back, with Yilmaz finally established as the undisputed starter, the oft-criticised Barisic due to move on, and a verbal agreement in place to add Jefte in the summer.

And yet they might now be back at square one, with the Croatian’s exit going ahead but renewed doubts over the Turk’s ability to hold down the position, and the expected new arrival called into question.

Clement clearly seemed willing to let Yilmaz leave for the right cash in the winter and it seems highly likely that his awfully-timed latest absence, as the title lead has been handed back to Celtic, will mean that outlook stands into the upcoming transfer window.

In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are sure to bank unexpected extra cash after a stunning revival.