UEFA confirm Jefte left out of Rangers squad vs Club Brugge as debut set
Rangers have left defender Jefte out of their squad for their Champions League play-off showdown against Club Brugge.
Russell Martin’s side will take on Club Brugge at Ibrox in the first leg on Tuesday, before travelling to Belgium for the second next week.
Rangers are close to selling Jefte to Palmeiras after a deal was reportedly agreed for the Brazilian’s big-money departure.
And Martin could be struck with a double-departure at left-back, with Ridvan Yilmaz pushing for a move to Turkish club Besiktas.
Jayden Meghoma replaces Jefte in squad for Club Brugge
Rangers are expected to bank around £6million for Jefte, who arrived at Ibrox just last summer from Fluminense in a deal worth around £800k.
The 21-year-old was the first choice at left-back for much of last season, but often failed to impress.
And the defender’s failure to stop Amar Memic in the build-up to Viktoria Plzen’s opening goal in the second leg of Rangers’ Champions League third qualifying round was seen as the final straw by many.
The defender is now expected to depart, and has been replaced in the squad to face Club Brugge by new loan signing Jayden Meghoma, who arrived on Sunday, 17 August.
| Jefte | Scottish Premiership 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 29 |
| Assists | 3 |
The 19-year-old has signed on a season-long loan from Brentford, after spending the second half of last season at Championship club Preston North End.
Thelo Aasgaard has also made the Champions League squad alongside Mikey Moore, with both players expected to play a part after making their debuts against Alloa Athletic on Saturday.
Also among the notable absences is Nedim Bajrami, who could still leave Ibrox before the transfer window closes at the start of next month.
Who will start at left-back against Club Brugge?
Martin’s decision over who starts at left-back against Club Brugge will likely come down to match fitness.
Whilst Meghoma is expected to play plenty of minutes in the position this season, Tuesday’s game may come slightly too early for the defender.
Instead, Max Aarons will likely be shifted back into left-back, despite playing on the right of the defence against Alloa Athletic.
James Tavernier will then likely captain the Bears again.
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