Rangers midfielder Jose Cifuentes is poised to join Greek side Aris Thessaloniki on a loan-to-buy deal, according to BN Sports. The 25-year-old Ecuador international is expected to arrive in Greece on Monday to finalize the move.
Cifuentes will initially join Aris on a season-long loan, with a £4.2 million obligation to buy at the end of the loan period. This move comes after a disappointing spell at Rangers, where he struggled to make an impact following his transfer from LAFC.
Despite high hopes when Michael Beale secured his signing, Cifuentes quickly found himself out of favor and was loaned out to Cruzeiro in Brazil earlier this year. However, his stint in Brazil was cut short due to underwhelming performances, prompting this new move to Greece.
The inclusion of a mandatory purchase clause in the deal has raised eyebrows, especially with the significant fee of £4.2 million attached. Nonetheless, Aris Thessaloniki appear committed to bringing Cifuentes on board full-time next summer.