Rangers eye Besiktas starlet Ridvan Yilmaz while Jurgen Klopp hails Ben Davies as a “first class character” after the Anfield centre-back swapped for Ibrox in a £4million deal
- Ben Davies has not made a senior appearance in two seasons with Liverpool
- The defender has now completed his £4m transfer to Rangers
- Jurgen Klopp called him a ‘savvy defender’ who is ‘reaching his peak’
- Rangers are also looking to sign Turkey international Ridvan Yilmaz
ranger are eyeing a possible move for highly-rated Besiktas left-back Ridvan Yilmaz after completing the centre-back’s £4m signing Ben Davis.
Yilmaz, 21, has capped six senior caps for Turkey. Coming through the Besiktas youth system, he made his first-team debut in April 2019 and helped them win the 2020-21 league title.
He is now entering the final year of his contract with the Istanbul club and would likely cost more than £4million if Rangers seek a permanent deal.
Ridvan Yilmaz has already joined the Turkish national team and won a league title
With Calvin Bassey ready to complete his £20m move to Ajax, Ibrox club have already secured Davies a move worth an initial £3m plus another £1m in add-ons.
That transfer has been given a firm seal of approval by Jurgen Klopp, who believes it’s the ‘perfect’ move for a defender nearing his prime.
Davies was confirmed as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s sixth signing just before kick-off in last night’s 3-1 friendly win over West Ham.
Davies, who has signed a four-year deal with Ibrox, did not appear at Anfield as a senior after being signed from Preston for £500,000 and spending last season at Sheffield United.
However, Liverpool boss Klopp gave an enthusiastic assessment of his character and supported him becoming a huge success in Scotland. “It’s a smart recruitment by Giovanni van Bronckhorst,” said Klopp.
‘Perfect for all parties. He has an accomplished defender himself who is in his prime and whose character is top-notch.
Davies, who previously attracted interest from Celtic before joining Liverpool in February 2021, was delighted to join last season’s Europa League finalists.
He follows John Souttar, Antonio Colak, Tom Lawrence, Rabbi Matondo and Malik Tillman who were added this summer.
Jurgen Klopp called Ben Davies a ‘savvy defender’ who is ‘reaching his peak’
“I’m really excited to be joining Rangers and I’m really looking forward to taking this next step in my career,” said Davies. “It’s a huge club with big ambitions and I can’t wait to get started.”
Van Bronckhorst believes Davies will be a significant signing. “First of all, I’m glad he joined us,” said the Dutchman, who expects Alfredo Morelos to recover in the “coming weeks” and ahead of Kemar Roofe.
“He’s left-footed and that’s very important for the team. He is very sure of the ball, a good passer, a good reader and a good defender.
“His time at Liverpool didn’t work out the way he wanted. But that happens. As we spoke he was very, very excited to join Rangers and be a part of it and he will bring his qualities to the table as well. We’ll see if he can get a few minutes over the weekend.’
