Rangers transfer verdict as manager ‘sure’ of Jose Cifuentes plan after Ibrox loan exit
Jose Cifuentes won’t be returning to Rangers at the end of his loan to Cruzeiro, according to the Brazilian side’s manager.
The Ibrox midfielder has completed a temporary move to South America after struggling in his half-season with the Light Blues, and his new boss Nicolas Larcamon is convinced the permanent option in his deal will be activated.
Cifuentes, 24, made only nine SPFL appearances and Rangers have now confirmed his loan runs for the duration of 2024, with Larcamon “sure” he will now join Cruzeiro permanently.
He said, via the Daily Record (10 February): “The deal is complete. We have an option to purchase Jose Cifuentes at the end of his loan and I am sure that will happen. He is a very complete player and will bring significant benefits to the team.
“Jose has many qualities to his game. He is very comfortable on the ball and he will bring aggression to the team too. He will help our midfield a lot. He will be an excellent addition to the squad and we hope to have him in the team as soon as possible.”
Permanent Rangers exit for Cifuentes is ‘sure’
Larcamon sounds confident that the permanent deal will go through, but it was only half a season ago that Michael Beale was making similar proclamations about the Ecuadorian international.
Quite clearly they didn’t prove to be accurate that time, with Cifuentes never able to establish himself in a Light Blues shirt and his former manager sacked.
The former LAFC man’s chance under Philippe Clement was arguably lost with his somewhat harsh sending off against Dundee on 9 December in what proved to be his final league appearance.
That period looked to be his big opportunity to get a run in the team with the likes of Nico Raskin, Tom Lawrence and Ryan Jack all unavailable, but his suspension for the Viaplay Cup final victory summed up an unfortunate Rangers career.
If he performs as well as his new manager expects and the option is taken up it sounds like it will be the best outcome for all parties.
On current form the Gers aren’t missing him with injured options back and Mohamed Diomande signed during January, and Cifuentes wasn’t short of suitors so his reputation can’t have suffered too badly.
In other Rangers news, a pundit has predicted what Light Blues fans will want to make Scott Brown “squirm” at Ibrox.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.