Rangers news: Ex Premier League defender reveals ‘done deal’ to seal transfer
Rangers, like most clubs, have had a number of what-if signings, in terms of players that came close but did not end up joining.
Given Gers’ rich history, it comes as no surprise that some of the game’s greatest players either played for the Ibrox outfit or nearly joined them.
The club have won 55 league titles, a European Cup Winners’ Cup along with a plethora of domestic trophies.
Carlos Cuellar reveals it was a done deal to return to Rangers
In an interview with the Scottish Sun, Carlos Cuellar has revealed the time he nearly made a return to Ibrox.
While he has not mentioned the timeline, he did mention it was when Alex McLeish moved to Aston Villa and that was in 2011.
He had left Ibrox only three years prior to that to pursue a career south of the border but he ended up staying put at Villa Park.
The former Premier League centre-back said: “I wanted to go back (to Rangers) but the problem was, this summer, I got injured in my knee. I had to be two months out.
“The problem was that Rangers had to wait for me to play for one-and-a-half months and they were playing to progress in Europe. They couldn’t wait for that much as they were fighting for Europe.
“If I was fit, I was going. The deal, everything was done.”
Carlos Cuellar would certainly have been welcomed with open arms at Ibrox
Cuellar’s potential return to Ibrox in 2011 would have been a strategic move for the club.
Having previously excelled during his 2007/08 season, the Spaniard was a proven talent, earning accolades like the Scottish Premier League Player of the Year and contributing to Gers’ cup successes and UEFA Cup final run.
His familiarity with the club and fanbase, who adored him as “King Carlos,” would have boosted morale and strengthened team cohesion.
At 29, he was in his prime, offering experience and reliability to a defence needing reinforcement.
Despite his high wages at Aston Villa, a Premier League mainstay, Gers’ offer showed financial commitment and his willingness to accept a pay cut demonstrated his loyalty.
Cuellar’s return could have stabilised the club during a transitional period, potentially enhancing their competitiveness in domestic and European campaigns while rekindling the magic of his earlier stint.
However, it wasn’t to be but the Spaniard is still adored by the fans and they would love to see him back in some way.
Whether or not that happens, remains to be seen, as he has completed his Uefa Pro Licence and is the manager of Real Murcia’s B team.