Rangers flop Cifuentes posts emotional farewell message after £4m transfer decision
Rangers are enjoying a summer of transition following the club’s takeover by Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises.
The takeover was completed in May 2025, and the new owners swiftly appointed Russell Martin as manager.
Former manager Philippe Clement was sacked in February 2025, following a poor string of results, with a makeshift coaching team drafted in to complete the season.
But there was a player who missed all of that.
José Cifuentes was sent to Greek side Aris Thessaloniki at the start of that season, and has very much become the forgotten man at Ibrox.
Cifuentes transfer verdict decided by Aris
Cifuentes was sent packing to Greece after being deemed surplus to requirements at Ibrox.
As part of his loan deal, Aris were given the option to buy the Ecuadorian midfielder permanently for £4million.
However, they have decided not to take up that option.
The Greek side had previously asked Rangers if they could lower the asking price, but an agreement wasn’t reached.
Now, it seems Cifuentes will be heading back to Glasgow to train for the 2025-26 season.
On Saturday (28 June), he posted a farewell message on Instagram thanking everyone at his loan club for their contribution to his time in Greece.
“Thank you, Aris,” he said. “Teammates, coaching staff, fans, and club personnel: It has been a pleasure to share this season with all of you – a season full of challenges that has now come to an end.
“On behalf of myself and my family, I thank you for everything we have experienced, and I wish you all the best for the upcoming season! Cifu.”
Cifuentes destined to be sold if Rangers can find a willing buyer
In a perfect world, Cifuentes will return to Ibrox, excel in training and develop into the world-beater that Rangers thought he could become.
However, he’s unlikely to be given a chance to do that.
Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises are already on a mission to sell first-team players to raise funds for Martin to build a new team in his image. A team that can topple Celtic and bring the glory days back to Ibrox.
The chances of Cifuentes featuring in that team are slim to none. If Rangers receive a bid anywhere near his £4m valuation, he’ll be sent on the first flight to that city.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 29 | 2269 | 1 | 3 |
Cifuentes wasn’t given much of a chance to adapt to Scottish football and make a name for himself at Rangers, but that’s the nature of modern football.
He may as well start writing another goodbye message for social media now.
Sign up for the Ibrox News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Rangers news sent straight to your phone.