(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 11 August 2025 16:31, UK

Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz is closing in on a move away from Ibrox this summer amid interest from a number of Turkish clubs.

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Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 24-year-old’s future at Ibrox and potential destination this summer.

The left-back has long been linked with a return to his home country after clubs failed in late bids last year, but Besiktas are planning to push for the move.

Football Insider first revealed in January 2024 that Turkish clubs including Galatasaray wanted to sign Yilmaz, who remains keen on a return to Turkey.

Ridvan Yilmaz’s place at Rangers has never been secure.

(Credit: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Jefte’s long-term future in Glasgow has also been subject to speculation amid suggestions he does not have a role to play under Russell Martin.

As a result, Football Insider revealed on 8 August that Rangers have joined the race for Kassoum Ouattara as the Monaco left-back has emerged on their list of targets.

Football Insider revealed on 11 August that Rangers want to sign Ouattara on loan as Monaco’s £13million price tag will prove too rich for them to reach.

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Their pursuit of a left-back has been accelerated in recent weeks amid a growing feeling that Yilmaz could leave Ibrox before the transfer window closes.

O’Rourke explained that uncertainty over the futures of both Yilmaz and Jefte have forced Martin’s side to act in the transfer market.

“Rangers are looking to bolster their left-back options,” he told Football Insider.

“It does seem that Ridvan Yilmaz, the Turkish player, could be on the move from Ibrox before the transfer window closes.

“He’s been strongly linked with Besiktas and speculation isn’t dying down after talks have taken place in the last couple of windows.

“There are ongoing doubts surrounding the long-term future of Jefte as well.

“So they’re in the market for a left-back and Ouattara is somebody who has emerged on their radar.”

Russell Martin is keen to keep his side strong this summer.

(Credit Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Alongside their aims to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes, Rangers are also bracing for interest in star players including Hamza Igamane.

Football Insider revealed on 4 August that Rangers want to spark a bidding war for Igamane in an attempt to drive up his price tag in the closing stages of the window.

Everton are believed to have joined the race alongside the likes of Lille, Feyenoord, Rennes and Udinese, but he will not be let go lightly.

This comes after Football Insider revealed that Rangers will demand as much as £20million for the forward as they are reluctant to see him leave.

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