Rangers transfer set after loss vs Viktoria Plzen as Jefte ‘halfway to South America’
Jefte had another night to forget as Rangers lost 2-1 to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Brazilian defender started for the Gers at the Doosan Arena against Miroslav Koubek’s team as Svetozar Markovic scored the winner in the 83rd minute.
Rafiu Durosimni gave the hosts the lead just before the break, but Lyall Cameron equalised for the Light Blues at the hour mark, sealing a 4-2 aggregate win for the Light Blues.
Russell Martin won’t be pleased with Jefte’s performance, and the 21-year-old may already have other things on his mind.
Jefte distracted by Palmeiras transfer talks at Rangers
It looked like Jefte was “halfway to South America”, going by his display against Plzen, Keith Jackson has quipped.
Scott McDermott noted the left-back seemed to have his head elsewhere during the 2-1 loss to the Czech outfit away from Ibrox.
Plameiras have been linked with a move for Jefte, with the Brazilian outfit in talks with the Glaswegian giants for the defender’s signature, which could potentially be affecting his commitment in G51.
Speaking on Hotline Live on 12 August, McDermott said: “Jefte looked tonight like his head was elsewhere.”
Jackson responded: “Halfway to South America.”
McDermott continued: “There’s talk of a potential move back to Brazil with Palmeiras apparently interested. He was so poor.”
Who will replace Jefte at Ibrox?
Jefte didn’t cover himself in glory at the Doosan Arena during the build-up to Plzen’s first goal after falling to the ground and giving Amar Memic space in behind to play the ball in the box.
The Brazilian hasn’t been first-choice for Martin this season, and such performances leave the Scottish manager vindicated for the decision.
Max Aarons has played left-back at Ibrox regularly since completing a loan move from Bournemouth, but even the Englishman has had his fair share of struggles.
Rangers will arguably need to bolster their defence if Jefte decides to leave before the end of August.
Besiktas are working to sign Ridvan Yilmaz from the Gers, and the Turkish national is another left-back who could depart in the coming weeks.
The Light Blues have made some astute additions to their backline this summer, but Kevin Thelwell may need to open his contact book again.
There are already concerns about Aarons playing out of position, and Jefte’s exit will only leave Martin with further difficulties.
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