Rangers Football Club is said to be on the verge of securing a bargain deal to bring Jose Cifuentes to Ibrox, as the Scottish club continue their active summer transfer window. With several defensive and attacking signings already made, the club is now focusing on bolstering its midfield options following the departures of Ryan Kent and Scott Arfield.
Jose Cifuentes, a 24-year-old midfielder, has emerged as a long-term target for Rangers. He has made 96 league appearances for the 2022 MLS Playoff champions and has impressed the club’s management with his performances. According to reports from the Scottish Sun, Rangers have been engaged in negotiations with LAFC officials throughout the week, edging closer to securing Cifuentes as their seventh summer signing.
The talks between Michael Beale and LAFC chiefs have been ongoing, with both parties aiming to strike a deal that would bring Cifuentes to Ibrox during the summer transfer window. This approach is preferred over waiting until the winter transfer window, when the Ecuadorian midfielder’s contract with LAFC expires.
It is believed that Cifuentes has expressed his desire to join the Rangers revolution, which has seen the club make notable signings such as Jack Butland, Cyriel Dessers, and Sam Lammers. Should Cifuentes arrive early, it is anticipated that Glen Kamara will likely be departing the club.
Initial reports suggested that a deal had already been agreed between Cifuentes and Rangers. However, these claims were premature, although Rangers officials are reportedly confident that the transfer will be finalized before the start of the new season on August 5.
The potential fee for Cifuentes is estimated to be around £1.2 million, a relatively modest amount compared to the potential £5 million that could be generated from Kamara’s departure. By securing an early move, Rangers would avoid paying a fee in December when Cifuentes becomes a free agent.
Rangers’ pursuit of Cifuentes highlights their determination to strengthen the midfield department further. With an exciting blend of new signings and the potential addition of Cifuentes, the club aims to build a formidable squad for the upcoming season.