Rangers agree £2million fee plus add-ons as Jefte transfer announced
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has confirmed that Brazilian defender Jefte has signed for the club after agreeing a fee of £2million plus add-ons for the Fluminense left-back.
The Daily Record reported that Jefte will join up with the Gers squad this summer for that fee, and in their print edition (25 May, page 58) said that he will have to watch from the sidelines in the Scottish Cup Final.
The 20-year-old left-back, who has been on loan at Cypriot side APOEL from Fluminense this season, will arrive at Ibrox as Clement’s rebuilding of the squad begins at pace.
Clement said he was “delighted” to have sealed the Brazilian’s signature so early in the transfer window, suggesting that his signing will lay the platform for further new signings in the coming weeks.
Jefte signing begins Rangers summer overhaul
Rangers’ huge summer of change is already well underway, with the signing of Jefte adding some much-needed depth in a problem position for Clement’s side.
Incumbent left-back Borna Barisic appears to be on his way to Trabzonspor on a free transfer, while utility player Dujon Sterling is more likely to be used as a right-back next season if captain James Tavernier also departs Ibrox.
Jefte may only have a single season of senior football under his belt, but three goals from left-back in 32 appearances for APOEL suggest that the Brazilian could replicate the attacking output of Barisic at his peak.
With the Gers set to bring the curtain down on an inconsistent season in the Scottish Cup Final against Old Firm rivals Celtic, Clement will have confidence regardless of the result knowing the left side of his defence will be stronger next season.
Barisic and a whole host of other Rangers players could be set for final Rangers farewells at Hampden Park, with Jefte’s confirmed signing signalling new beginnings for the Ibrox club.
In other Rangers news, the club are eyeing a club-record deal to sign one SPFL star ahead of Celtic.
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