Rangers show transfer interest in seven-figure Bundesliga ace with World Cup-winning mentor as January looms
A plethora of clubs from the Serie A, La Liga and Ligue 1 are also interested in the defender.
As the January transfer window looms, Rangers boss Danny Rohl is set to be on the hunt for defensive reinforcements.
After the failings of the summer window, the Light Blues now have a chance to right some of the wrongs made by Russell Martin and sacked sporting director Kevin Thelwell. Rangers made a total of 14 signings during the window, spending upwards of £25m, but so far, only a handful have hit the ground running.
After Thursday night’s draw to 10-man Braga, Rangers are now effectively out of Europe unless they pick up maximum points in their last three games and hope other results go their way, however after four wins from four in the Premiership, a good January could see them back in the title race. A lot of pressure has been put on young left back Jayden Meghoma this season, who has started the majority of games for Rangers despite only being 19 years of age. According to German Media giants, Bild, Danny Rohl is interested in bolstering this position with a player from his homeland.
Rangers interested in Bundesliga ace
According to them, Rangers are interested in SC Freiburg left-back, Berkay Yilmaz, who is currently on loan at FC Nurnberg in the second tier. Playing under World Cup-winning legend of the game, Miroslav Klose, the 20-year old has attracted interest from across Europe.
French sides Toulouse and Angers have expressed interest in Yilmaz, who has represented Turkey at youth level despite being born in Germany. It is understood that a number of clubs from the Serie A and La Liga are also in the race. Bild believe the youngster would set Rangers back around £4.3m if they were to acquire his signature.
Yilmaz signed for Klose’s side on a season-long loan last year but after impressing for the German sleeping giants, they decided to extend his stay in the summer. He has an impressive attacking record from the back so far this season, with four goal contributions from 14 matches.
A versatile customer
Yilmaz’ attacking abilities mean he can be deployed at either full-back or wing-back which will please Danny Rohl, who has been known to tweak defensive shapes. In his short tenure, the Rangers boss has played formations with both four and five players at the back. Freiburg Sporting Director, Klemens Hartenbach spoke highly of the youngster when he made his move to Nurnburg and believes the loan spell will give him a chance to flourish in a competitive league.
According to the Freiburg club website, he said: “Berkay [Yilmaz] has developed very well. Since there would be a lot of competition in his favoured position in the coming season, a loan to Nürnberg makes sense for all parties. With his footballing qualities and his mentality at the level they are, he can now develop further in Bundesliga 2. We will support him in every step.”