Jose Cifuentes problems emerge as Philippe Clement sanctions Rangers exit
Philippe Clement has personally sanctioned the impending exit of Jose Cifuentes, having struggled to adapt to life at Ibrox, according to Tera Deportes.
The website reported on X [27 January] that the change in manager, injury woes, the cold winters in Scotland and personal issues have all stopped Cifuentes from reaching his dream of performing in Europe.
It is understood that Clement has agreed to let the midfielder leave the club this month in a loan-to-buy switch, with a bid accepted from Turkish side Rizespor.
“The Ecuadorian player José Cifuentes dreamed of making the leap to Europe, but that dream come true has turned into a nightmare,” they wrote.
“Unfortunately, injuries, the cold Glasgow winter, personal problems and the change of coach at Rangers came together to make this change something difficult to overcome.”
A player from the Michael Beale era
The 24-year-old was one of Michael Beale’s many summer signings before the current season began, with the Colombian making the move from LAFC on a four-year deal worth £1.2million. [Sky Sports]
There are big doubts over Cifuentes’ ability on the pitch, having failed to hit the ground running under Beale, in all competitions, with no real memories coming to mind already.
Injuries have hounded the midfielder, leaving him with little time on the pitch to showcase his talent. Without football, it is understandable how it has been difficult for him to adapt to life across the world.
With Rangers becoming more stacked in midfield once again, with Nico Raskin and Tom Lawrence returning, and Todd Cantwell picking up his slack in recent weeks, Clement can afford to lose Cifuentes.
Having not played a single minute in the Scottish Premiership since December against Dundee, Clement has been forced to become creative with his midfield options, deploying full-back Dujon Sterling in the position instead.
Rangers look set to cut ties, this one just hasn’t worked at all.
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