Rangers transfer twist as Jefte deal now in doubt after new development
Rangers have encountered a stumbling block in their pursuit of Brazilian left-back Jefte.
The 20-year-old is owned by Fluminense but has spent this season on loan at Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia.
The Gers made a move for the defender in January but APOEL refused to release the player from his loan – and they could be set to further complicate matters for the Light Blues.
The Cypriot club’s president – Prodromos Petrides – insisted that Jefte has a purchase clause as part of his loan deal, which APOEL intend to exercise, saying to Cypriot radio station Super Sport FM: “We have until May 31 and there is room for the clause. We should have the player’s signature.
“We have sent the message to Fluminense to exercise the right to acquire the player. It’s not an easy deal to fund but we have covered huge sums for debts. We have a much better financial situation to manage.”
Rangers could miss out on a potential replacement for Borna Barisic
The reason for Rangers’ interest in the left-back market is clear – Borna Barisic is set to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season, with a move to Trabzonspor expected.
Barisic, 31, has lost his place to Ridvan Yilmaz, 22, but has been required of late due to the younger man’s absence through injury.
When the Croatian has departed, Philippe Clement’s squad will be light on options on the left of defence and Jefte looked a promising solution – and one the club clearly appear to be keen on, given their winter window negotiations for the player.
The 20-year-old has played 33 times across all competitions for APOEL this season, scoring three times and registering four assists in the league.
If a move for him does indeed fall through, the Gers will have to go back to the drawing board in search of a new replacement for their departing veteran.
In other Rangers news, Alan Stubbs has shared his verdict on John Lundstram’s sending-off against Celtic.
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