Journalist Pete O’Rourke has provided his verdict on Rangers‘ reported interest in Besiktas midfielder, Kartal Yilmaz.
What’s the word?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected source suggested that the Ibrox outfit could have an “advantage” in their bid to sign the 21-year-old, having already negotiated with the Turkish outfit to sign his namesake – and former teammate – Ridvan Yilmaz so far this summer.
He stated: “I think it definitely gives them an advantage. They’ve obviously worked with Besiktas to a great deal for the left-back Ridvan Yilmaz, so there’s clearly good relations between the clubs to get that deal over the line.
“So, I’m sure ongoing discussions, if they are after the midfielder Yilmaz, that it would make things slightly easier for Rangers.”
This follows reports in Turkey (via This is Futbol) that reveal the Old Firm giants are eyeing a deal for the playmaker in the current window, with the 5 foot 10 starlet set to be available for a fee of around £800k – or on a potential loan deal.
Aribo heir
Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is seemingly on the hunt for new midfield additions having seen Nigeria international Joe Aribo join Premier League side Southampton earlier this summer, with the 26-year-old’s departure having left a gaping hole in the Dutchman’s squad.
With doubts also over the future of Glen Kamara, new midfield recruits have become a necessity for the Scottish Premiership outfit before the September deadline, with Yilmaz potentially an ideal, bargain addition to add in the coming weeks.
The £900k-rated ace – who still has two years remaining on his existing deal at his current side – blossomed out on loan at Ümraniyespor in Turkey’s second tier last season, helping the Istanbul-based club to promotion after a string of fine displays from his defensive midfield berth.
Despite that holding role, the exciting prospect still managed to chip in with one goal and seven assists in 30 league games in the 2021/22 campaign, while further showcasing his creative talent by averaging two key passes per game.
Not just a threat in the final third, the youngster also illustrated his quality in a defensive sense, averaging two tackles and 1.9 interceptions per 90, while also recording a solid 7.22 average match rating, as per SofaScore – a figure only bettered by five players in the Rangers squad last term.
Although still in the early stages of his senior career – with just nine first-team appearances under his belt at his parent club thus far – Yilmaz has seemingly shown early flickerings of just what a magical talent he can be moving forward.
Replacing a unique figure such as Aribo, who provided 13 goal contributions in the league last term, could well prove a sizeable task, although the Besiktas gem has proven he has the creative quality to do so.
