Anthony Onifade

Sat 8 July 2023 11:10, UK

Rangers look to be closing in on the signing of Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes with the player needing a work permit, according to the Daily Record.

The Ecuador international midfielder has been on the cards as an Ibrox arrival throughout the transfer window, with Michael Beale hoping to get a deal done during the summer rather than when his LAFC contract expires in December.

LAFC have stated they would prefer to do a deal now rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the MLS campaign and a Friday 7 July update from Mercado Futbol EC claimed that the deal was “confirmed” and official news was on the way within the next few hours.

However, according to the Daily Record newspaper (8 July, page 55), any switch would now be subject to the Ecuadorian midfielder being granted a work permit.

Real hopes now

With Beale gradually making breakthroughs on other deals, such as the now-completed signing of Cyriel Dessers from Cremonese, there are high hopes that Cifuentes can be added to the transfer haul sooner rather than later.

Rangers have been mightily impressive in the transfer window so far, completing six signings already and pre-season has barely got underway at Ibrox.

With the Gers expected to bring in another midfielder and a centre-back next, Cifuentes now looks to be the next of those impressive additions and the Ecuadorian would arguably be the icing on a very pleasing cake for Rangers fans considering what he offers.

Cifuentes is an adept ball carrier, making 7.69 progressive passes per 90 (91st percentile) and 2.47 progressive carries per 90 (91st percentile) [FBRef].

Beale arguably doesn’t possess a player bursting through the lines in midfield and Cifuentes provides those characteristics in abundance, and the 24-year-old could well form some impressive partnerships with the likes of Nicolas Raskin, and Todd Cantwell.

So exciting.

In other Rangers news, new goalkeeper signing calls new role his ‘sole focus’.