A UEFA Champions League club have taken concrete steps to track Rangers target Oguz Aydin, sending an official delegation to Istanbul to monitor the winger in derby action.

Rangers were heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old Turkish international during the closing stages of the summer transfer window. As Derek McInnes frantically searched the market for dynamic wide additions, respected journalist Matteo Moretto reported on 4 August that the Gers had logged a genuine interest in Aydin.

Aston Villa sent scouts to watch Oguz Aydin after heavy summer links with Rangers

According to a report from Turkish television outlet NTV, Aston Villa sent a dedicated scouting team to RAMS Park to watch Aydin during Monday (26 October) evening’s heated 2-1 defeat against fierce rivals Galatasaray. Scouts from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City were also present in the stands, primarily assessing Galatasaray’s Aleksey Batrakov.

Despite Fenerbahce falling to a narrow derby defeat, Rangers-linked Aydin emerged as one of the standout performers for the visiting side on the left flank. The 26-year-old demonstrated why European scouts are taking notice, putting in an effective shift that underlined his individual quality in high-pressure matches.

• Direct Creative Impact: Aydin provided the assist for Irfan Can Kahveci’s second-half goal, registering one key chance created and completing 13 of his 19 passes (via FotMob).
• Aerial Dominance & Defensive Work: The winger won three out of his four aerial duels (75% success rate), recorded two defensive contributions, made one clearance, and recovered two loose balls.
• Composure On The Ball: Across 29 total touches, Aydin drew one foul, registered two touches inside the Galatasaray penalty box, and was never dispossessed throughout his 78-minute shift.

Aydin’s impressive display in the derby follows eye-catching outings in Europe, including a standout performance against Aston Villa themselves during a 6-0 Champions League loss, as well as a stylish goal against Slavia Prague.

With Unai Emery seeking additional wide options to maintain Villa’s domestic and European momentum, the West Midlands club appear keen to test Fenerbahce’s resolve, although it remains to be seen if they will make an official approach in the January transfer window.

While Rangers missed out on securing Aydin‘s services in August, the Turkish star’s explosive growth in Istanbul proves that Ibrox talent spotters were monitoring the right calibre of player.