Rangers transfer news: Derek Clark shares Jose Cifuentes update as Cruzeiro trump Rizespor

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Published on:

30 Jan 2024, 7:40 am

Rangers midfielder Jose Cifuentes is close to completing a move to Brazilian side Cruzeiro, according to Derek Clark.

Cifuentes, who only arrived at Ibrox from Los Angeles FC in a £1.2million deal last summer [Glasgow Times], is expected to depart on loan.

The Ecuador international was also touted with a move to Rizespor, but Cruzeiro appear to have won the race for his signature.

Rangers Review journalist Clark posted on his personal Twitter page [30 January]: "Told Cifuentes’ move to Cruzeiro should be completed soon."

Minimal impact

News of Cifuentes' likely departure last week came as a surprise given how little time he has spent at the club.

That said, the 24-year-old has made very little impact and is clearly not part of Philippe Clement's plans going forward.

The arrival of Mohamed Diomande only further adds to the midfield competition, so getting Cifuentes off the wage bill makes sense.

It could have been an awkward situation for the Gers as a move to Rizespor apparently broke down, but thankfully another club showed an interest.

Told Cifuentes’ move to Cruzeiro should be completed soon.

As for Jefte, an APOEL spokesman said he’s been AWOL since Thursday. Club say they have had no contact with Fluminense or Rangers.
— Derek Clark (@derekclarksport) January 30, 2024

Returning to South America for a short period could help Cifuentes rebuild his confidence, before a longer-term decision is made in the summer.

Previous reports have suggested that Cruzeiro will have the right to buy the midfielder permanently, so we may well have seen the last of him.

For whatever reason, it just has not worked out for Cifuentes at Ibrox, but supporters will no doubt wish him the best if this is indeed the end.

In other Rangers news, a player has been given the blessing of his manager to finalise a move to Ibrox.

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Rangers

Derek Clark

Jose Cifuentes

Rizespor

Cruzeiro