Besiktas president responds to Ridvan Yilmaz rumors, explains why Rangers purchased him
Besiktas president Ahmet Nur Cebi has responded to transfer rumors around Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz, suggesting that he would be given more minutes this season by his team.
Besiktas reportedly wanted to bring Yilmaz back to the club on a season-long loan before their transfer deadline on September 15 [Fanatik, 7 September], but the rumours have since been debunked.
According to Nur Cebi, the Rangers’ original goal when they acquired Yilmaz last summer was for him to serve as a backup to Borna Barisic for a year before being introduced into the first squad the following season.
The Besiktas president told Turkish site SportsDigitale, as cited by the Daily Record [12 September], “They signed him last year in preparation, and this year Ridvan will play more games there.”
The statement appears to have put an end to speculation over the left-back’s future in Glasgow, and he will be looking for more playing time as the season progresses, as he is presently the backup to first-choice option Barisic.
Time will tell if this holds true.
By no means does this indicate Yilmaz will be a first-team regular by the conclusion of the season. Let’s say the assertion was correct – a lot can happen in a year. He may still be considered ineligible for a regular starting spot.
He should, however, be given more chances than he has thus far. With Barisic’s inconsistent start to the season and doubt about his long-term future at the club, Yilmaz should offer the club with a ready-made successor.
Even if it means taking a little longer than the two-year plan, he might be introduced into the side on a more regular basis this season before taking over from Barisic when he inevitably leaves Ibrox.
Yilmaz’s only appearance this season came in a 1-0 loss to Celtic at Ibrox, where he came on as a 65th-minute substitute. Dujon Sterling was chosen to replace the injured Barisic, presumably as a hint of Beale’s preference.
In unrelated Rangers news, a BBC pundit claims the club has made a decision on Beale’s future.