Rangers: Key Jose Cifuentes Ibrox exit update after deal stalled for days
Jose Cifuentes’ exit from Rangers is now expected to go ahead within days after a key breakthrough was made at Cruzeiro, according to Cesar Luis Merlo.
The Mr Offsider journalist reported via Twitter on 3 February that the move had been stalled for a number of days, but the important development had now paved the way for a loan-to-buy departure from Ibrox.
The Brazilian transfer window doesn’t shut until 7 February [FIFA], allowing the 24-year-old to move on past the UK deadline after a difficult half-season in Glasgow.
Merlo wrote, translated into English: “A key aspect for the arrival of José Cifuentes to Cruzeiro was unlocked [after] the operation had been stopped for days.
“With the path paved, it is expected that in the coming days his loan for one year and with an option from Rangers will be closed.”
Unhappy Ibrox stay set to end for Cifuentes
It looks like a preferable outcome for all involved if Cifuentes is able to secure this move midseason as he doesn’t look like getting much football at Rangers.
With all of John Lundstram, Nico Raskin, Ryan Jack and presumably new signing Mohamed Diomande once he make his debut all ahead of him it would take a major selection crisis for the Ecuadorian to get a run in the side.
That has already happened once this season and Cifuentes was unable to take advantage that time as he was sent off harshly against Dundee on 9 December and missed the Viaplay Cup final.
The unfortunate series of events can’t have helped his standing under Philippe Clement when the manager who chased him for weeks in the summer, Michael Beale, had been replaced, and sums up a difficult Rangers career.
If both sides can mark the move down as a mistake and find a viable solution quickly in the Cruzeiro move then it saves an unhappy player languishing at Auchenhowie for months longer.
Cifuentes had a move to Turkey open to him after the club accepted a loan-to-buy offer from Rizespor but he wasn’t taken by it, so as the move to Brazil dragged on it could have been a cause for concern but it sounds like the hold up has been cleared and a move is on the horizon.
In other Rangers news, permanent contract details have emerged if one of the January new arrivals stays at Ibrox long term.
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