Barry Ferguson blown away by Sky Sports transfer news at Rangers
Incoming Rangers midfielder Jose Cifuentes could be a “cracker” for Rangers due to his composure and goalscoring ability, according to Barry Ferguson.
Writing in the Daily Record (3 August), Ferguson noted that despite Michael Beale’s side not looking tactically perfect ahead of their league opener against Kilmarnock on Saturday (5 August), the manager will be “keen” to start the Ecuadorian as soon as possible.
Cifuentes has arrived in Glasgow ahead of his £1.2million move from LAFC and is expected to sign a four-year deal at Ibrox [Sky Sports].
Ferguson said: “As impressive as the business in the transfer market has been up until this point, the time for tweaking and adjusting his team has come and gone already. Is Beale’s new look side perfect? Far from it.
“He’s still to add Jose Cifuentes into the mix, for example, and having done a bit of homework on the Ecuadorian he looks like a player the manager will be very keen to get into his starting XI.
“I like the look of this guy – a box-to-box midfielder who can score goals and who looks composed and classy on the ball. He could be a cracker.”
Justified
Ferguson’s reservations about Rangers heading into the new season are justified. Bringing in so many new faces and trying to embed a philosophy while ensuring match fitness and player chemistry is a tough task for any manager.
The likes of Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers and Danilo are all likely to be regular faces throughout the season and all must adjust ahead of the league opener against Kilmarnock. Cifuentes is the latest in the conveyer belt of Ibrox additions and he is not exempt from such adjustment.
Despite this, Rangers fans are excited about the prospect of what this season could bring. Everyone involved seems serious and Beale looks as dedicated as ever in trying to get the club back to the summit of Scottish football.
Cifuentes’ ability could help them get there. As Ferguson noted, his box-to-box ability makes him lethal across the park and allows him not only to create chances for teammates but execute chances too. The Ecuadorian has scored 13 times across 96 games for LAFC, including seven goals and six assists in the 2022 MLS season.
More than just goals, he is creative. With 8.10 progressive passes per 90 (94th percentile) and 1.73 successful take-ons per 90 (94th percentile) [FBRef], Cifuentes is adept at getting the ball up the pitch to help create chances.
His composure and technique, as Ferguson points out, make it clear why Beale has been so keen to secure his services. At £1.2million too, he could make the bargain of the summer if he can replicate his MLS form at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, the Gers’ latest transfer target could cause a reunion with an old Beale favourite.