Beşiktaş have apparently reached an agreement with Rangers for the transfer of Ridvan Yilmaz. Turkish journalist Efecan Öztaş reported that all matters have been settled between the two clubs. If true, Rangers have just lost one of their most valuable assets for what looks like a cut-price deal. The Turkish press insist the move is close, but Rangers have yet to issue any official statement. Ridvan Yilmaz Rangers exit looks inevitable.
Beşiktaş, Rıdvan Yılmaz transferi için Rangers ile her konuda anlaşmaya vardı. https://t.co/bpdwTDPWfM
— Efecan Öztaş (@oztasefecan80) August 22, 2025
Saga
The saga around Ridvan Yilmaz has dragged on all summer. Reports linked him with moves back to his homeland, but Rangers seemed determined to hold on to him. He established himself as a dependable left back and grew into the shirt after a slow start. That growth made him popular among the support. However, Rangers never seemed fully committed to him, and Russell Martin continued to favour alternatives when available. His injuries were also a major problem amid Ridvan Yilmaz Rangers exit.
If Beşiktaş have agreed terms, Rangers now face (another) modest defensive crisis. John Souttar remains the only permanent starter, with Max Aarons, Jayden Meghoma and Nasser Djiga all on loan. Losing Ridvan strips the side of stability on the left flank. The club would potentially again enter the market with urgency, but Rangers have already stumbled through another window. Every position appears patched up, yet the spine of the team looks fragile.
Planning
Supporters will not easily forgive another case of poor planning. Ridvan Yilmaz had the qualities needed for Europe, who could forget his MOTM cameo v Napoli. To see him return to Turkey so soon would show a lack of long-term vision. Fans still remember the mess surrounding Calvin Bassey’s exit. That fiasco led to the misguided £4 million move for Ben Davies. Now the board seem ready to repeat the pattern, as even the Scottish Sun recognise the growing pressure on Rangers’ transfer strategy.
The timing of this deal feels inevitable though. Rangers face massive fixtures in the coming weeks. Ridvan wasn’t even in the squad. Russell Martin has already come under heavy criticism. Allowing Ridvan Yilmaz to leave without an adequate replacement would pile even more pressure on his management.
This entire episode highlights how Rangers continue to stumble behind Celtic in terms of squad structure. Instead of building steadily, the club lurches from one short-term fix to another. Ridvan Yilmaz gave Rangers hope that the position had been secured for years. Instead, fans watch another player depart before truly reaching his peak. If Beşiktaş do get their man, Rangers must answer hard questions. Supporters demand ambition, yet all they see is weakness.