Jose Cifuentes transfer agreement emerges as Rangers return now set at Auchenhowie
Rangers have a lot of work to do in terms of signings and sales this summer, and also need to resolve the futures of several loanees.
The 49ers Enterprises are set to complete a takeover of the Ibrox club in the coming weeks and will appoint a new permanent manager.
Rangers will undergo a complete rebuild at all levels, including in the playing squad, after a dismal season in which they went trophyless and were miles behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
One loanee whose future needs resolving is midfielder Jose Cifuentes, and an update has now emerged over his loan agreement.
Cifuentes to return to Rangers after loan
Cifuentes spent the season on loan at Greek side Aris, but he is now set to return to Ibrox following the end of his temporary contract.
The 26-year-old was an impressive performer, making 31 appearances overall for the Greek Super League side, and he will return to Auchenhowie before a decision is made over his future.
| Club | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Yellow Cards |
| Los Angeles FC | 26 | 17 | 2 | 5 |
| Rangers | 20 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Cruzeiro | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aris | 31 | 26 | 1 | 3 |
It has been reported by journalist Cesar Luis Merlo that despite catching the eye in Greece, Cifuentes’ future may be away from Aris, with an agreement between both to move on.
“Jose Cifuentes will not continue at Aris next season,” he posted on X.
“Despite his strong performance, the parties agreed that the option to buy will not be exercised. The midfielder will return to Rangers, and the next steps will be discussed later.”
Rangers should be able to sell Cifuentes
Cifuentes arrived at Rangers with a lot of excitement when he joined from LAFC in MLS, but he failed to impress in his 20 appearances in Scotland.
However, as an Ecuador international who thrived in Greece, there is plenty of focus on the midfielder and where he may end up, and there may be several clubs interested in signing him.
It remains to be seen who will be the next Rangers manager, with Davide Ancelotti reportedly a frontrunner for the job, but it seems unlikely that Cifuentes will have a future at Ibrox regardless of who takes over.
Cifuentes may not command a huge fee, but clearing out the wage bill will be a priority for 49ers Enterprises this summer as they aim to reshape the squad.