Celtic-mad Johnny Russell tips Rangers to complete transfer ‘coup’ after text messages sent to him
Johnny Russell has tipped Rangers-linked Jose Cifuentes to be a hit in the Scottish Premiership and says his signing would be a “coup” for the Ibrox club.
Los Angeles FC midfielder Cifuentes has impressed in MLS and is reportedly on Michael Beale’s wish-list as part of a summer rebuild at Rangers [Fabrizio Romano].
Russell has played against Cifuentes with his current club Sporting Kansas City and cheekily admitted he would have been trying to hijack a potential deal for Celtic, the club he grew up supporting, had he been aware of the links sooner.
“I really like Cifuentes. I’ve played against him a few times now, including the other night. He’s a very good player and I think that he’s the right fit for Rangers and Scottish football,” Russell told MailSport in quotes reported by the Daily Record.
“If Rangers get him, it would be a bit of a coup for them. He’s one of these boys who – if it was your plan – could come in and do a job for you but then you could probably shift him on as well. Rangers could sell him on again if he does well there. And Cifuentes might see a move to Scotland as a stepping-stone to the English Premier League.
“He’s got a bit about him. I certainly don’t think he’d struggle in terms of physicality because he’s a strong boy.
“He’s played in different midfield positions for LAFC. On Wednesday, he played as a number eight. Their usual number six, Ilie Sanchez, used to play for us. When he’s fit, he plays.
“He’s got a bit about him. I certainly don’t think he’d struggle in terms of physicality because he’s a strong boy.
“I didn’t know about it (links to Rangers) until some of my mates messaged me after we played them. If I’d have known about it, I might have tried to sabotage it!”
Ibrox move a no-brainer for Cifuentes
Since moving to LA back in 2020, Cifuentes has been a mainstay in their midfield and has won MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield honours in the United States.
But at 24 the time is right to seek out a new venture and Rangers would be the perfect fit for the Ecuador star.
Rangers are expected to make big changes to their squad over the close season and Cifuentes would have the opportunity to be a big player in the Scottish Premiership.
Moreover, it would offer him exposure in European continental competitions and provide an opportunity to put himself on the radar of clubs around Europe.
That would, you assume, include teams in the Premier League, where the lucrative money and worldwide exposure are on a different level.
In essence, this is a move that would really suit all parties and one that could help Rangers bridge the gap to rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson offers his view on the “expensive” Malik Tillman deal.