Rangers told what to do over Oscar Cortes as ‘major transfer rebuild’ mooted at Ibrox
Stevie Clifford believes Rangers must extend Oscar Cortes’ loan deal ahead of a “major transfer rebuild” at Ibrox this summer.
According to Canal RCN [6 May], the Gers are keen on extending the Colombian’s loan, which is set to expire at the end of this month, until December. Cortes, Rangers and Lens are all to be involved in the decision.
While Clifford has urged the Gers to complete a second loan deal for Cortes this summer, he admits that the club must see more before a permanent transfer is agreed for the youngster.
Speaking to The Rangers Review on Thursday (9 May), he said: “I think he’s got the right profile. He’s not someone I know massive amounts about, other than what we have seen in a Rangers jersey, so we need to see a lot more before committing three or four million.
“Another loan deal would be ideal. It’s not a coincidence that, as he came out of the team, we fell to bits. He brings balance and that natural width on the wing. Hopefully, that deal gets done.
“I’m quite confident that he’ll be here next season, and that it’s just the start of a major transfer rebuild.”
Rangers urged to extend Oscar Cortes loan deal
Cortes was a breath of fresh air since arriving in Scotland during the winter transfer window, adding a lot of excitement to Philippe Clement’s starting XI, notching one goal and two assists.
However, it is certainly true that the club need to see much more of the talented winger, having sustained an injury in February and being sidelined ever since.
Despite only making seven appearances, many fans believe they have seen enough to know that Rangers must sign the 20-year-old, especially if he is going to cost in excess of £3m.
Clement’s side have lacked a lot of dynamism on the flanks since Cortes’ injury, especially with both Abdallah Sima and Rabbi Matondo’s seasons being plagued by injury too.
Once the winger recovers, Rangers will have much more firepower going forward, and some will be hoping that he can return before the season is over to help pip Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title.
In other Rangers news, a European club may now be ready to splash millions on a first-team Gers player after their recent announcement.
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