In a surprising turn of events, Turkish club Galatasaray has tested the waters with Scottish giants Rangers by tabling a loan-to-buy bid of £3.4 million for left-back Rıdvan Yilmaz. However, Rangers swiftly rejected the offer, indicating that it fell short of the club’s valuation for the player.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Rangers are not enthusiastic about a loan-to-buy deal, as it would mean waiting until the summer for the funds to arrive. This hesitation is compounded by the fact that Yilmaz’s departure could leave a void in the left-back position, necessitating immediate reinforcement.
Galatasaray, an unlikely destination for Yilmaz, who previously plied his trade for Turkish rivals Besiktas, faces stiff competition for the player’s signature. Verona remains the most probable destination, with ongoing talks between Verona and Marseille possibly paving the way for Yilmaz’s move.
Rangers need a Left Back Contingency Plan
Yilmaz, who competes for the left-back spot with the injured Borna Barisic, was not initially considered a priority for Rangers in this transfer window. However, the rejection of Galatasaray’s bid has raised questions about the future of the player and the need for contingency plans.
Borna Barisic Contract Battle: Rangers’ Offer to Secure Left-Back’s Future
Should Yilmaz depart, Rangers may have to bolster their defensive ranks, potentially using the funds generated from the sale to invest in a new striker. The prospect of bringing in a left-back on loan until the end of the season is also on the table.
Cameron Pring Rumour Seems Unlikely
One potential candidate is Bristol City’s Cameron Pring, a 25-year-old versatile player who can operate both as a left-back and in the center-back position. Although Pring has been linked with a move to Rangers, the club has not confirmed any interest. Moreover, his recent contract extension with Bristol City in August 2023 makes a loan move unlikely.
As Rangers focus on strengthening their attacking options, the prospect of spending money on acquiring Pring in this transfer window seems improbable. Meanwhile, the potential domino effect of Yilmaz’s transfer, particularly involving Verona’s left-back Josh Doig and Marseille, adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing transfer saga.