The Turkish international has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Glasgow during the January transfer window with Galatasaray now seeming like the most likely destination should a deal be reached before the end of the month.
But European journalist Rodop has admitted that he is surprised by just how long negotiations have taken between the two clubs and has suggested that it is the Gers’ “stubbornness” that has slowed down the transfer process.
Writing on his X account on Thursday (18 January) he said: “Galatasaray is trying to break the stubbornness of Lazio and Rangers.”
That tweet was followed moments later by: “I would have expected that negotiations with Rangers for the transfer of Rıdvan Yılmaz to Galatasaray would have already been completed…”
For whatever reason, Yilmaz’s exit is proving an incredibly tough deal to get over the line this month. Rangers appear to be standing firm on their valuation of the Turkish defender and aren’t willing to alter their stance much, if at all for a buying club.
Philippe Clement isn’t blessed with left-back options currently at Ibrox, so it is only natural that the Belgian would be reluctant to lose one of his only players in that position, especially at such a crucial point in the season.
As the selling club, Rangers are entitled to be just as stubborn as they want and they will do all that they can in their power to ensure that they get a fair price for Yilmaz if they are to sell him this month.
However, you would imagine that there is a chance Galatasaray may become frustrated with the Light Blues’ stubbornness and take their business elsewhere this January, especially if they can’t reach an agreement sooner rather than later.
