Premier League dream for Jose Cifuentes will not prevent Rangers transfer plan
Jose Cifuentes is known to dream of playing in England’s Premier League but rather than posing a threat to Rangers signing the player, his future ambitions can work in favour of Michael Beale and all at Ibrox.
The ongoing transfer saga with the Ecuador international midfielder will hopefully see some real developments in the upcoming days ahead, after what feels like a long time of speculation without anything materialising in terms of a transfer.
He played in a friendly double-header for his country last weekend, then made an instant return for LAFC in their home fixture against Seattle Sounders in MLS. However, we could be about to approach a turning point.
Some reports have claimed that Cifuentes can sign a pre-contract with Rangers from 01 July, effectively forcing the hand of his current club in California to agree to a cut-price deal for an immediate transfer.
Regardless of that, Ibrox chiefs need to get this wrapped up so that the proposed deal is not hijacked at the last minute by any clubs in bigger leagues.
He has his eye on the Premier League and Rangers can be a stepping stone to that aim if he completes a successful 12 to 18-month spell in Glasgow.
England’s top clubs may be reluctant to take a chance on such a player without any European experience but his qualities and potential, as well as that ambition, were outlined in a Transfermarkt feature, back in January with significant insight provided by their Ecuador specialist Benedikt Duda.
“Cifuentes does everything to fulfil his dreams,” he said.
“That dream is to ultimately play in the Premier League. Leeds United, Newcastle United, and Brighton all have shown interest.
“The Seagulls seem a logical choice as they have a strong connection to Ecuador already, (Moisés Caicedo) but no matter where Cifuentes ends up, the club will get a player with obvious potential.”
Duda further discussed the qualities of the player: “Cifuentes is a no.8, who is physical and strong in defence with a tendency to get involved in the attack.”
A move is nearly done until the confirmation is provided, so as much as there is understandable excitement from the Rangers fans about this potential capture, there is still some way to go, clearly.
There is a dire need for quality and dynamism in Beale’s midfield and Cifuentes appears ready-made to come in and make an impact. Let’s hope it happens soon.
In other Rangers news, a fresh Saturday twist has emerged on the pursuit of a new striker transfer at Ibrox.