It seems that Rangers are one of the teams keeping a close eye on Ecuadorian midfielder, Jose Cifuentes, ahead of the summer transfer window.
Who is Jose Cifuentes?
While Michael Beale’s arrival at Ibrox was too late to change the outcome of the Scottish title race, attention is already turning to the summer transfer window to help close the gap to the league leaders in the new campaign.
One player who has caught their attention is Los Angeles FC midfielder, Cifuentes, who has been playing his football in the United States for just over three years.
Despite having minimal game time in Ecuador’s World Cup squad, playing just 58 minutes over two substitute appearances, his role in the MLS squad has been significant, starting three of his six appearances in the new campaign.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gers are interested in bringing him to Europe over the summer, along with Brighton:
(14:30) “Also I wanted to mention Jose Cifuentes. This midfielder playing for LA FC, out of contract in December, from what I understand, in the summer, he has a chance to leave because European clubs want him. Brighton have been tracking him in the last few months. But also Rangers want him. So keep an eye on Cifuentes.”
Would Cifuentes be a game-changer for Rangers?
Cifuentes has been hailed as “ridiculous” by Alexandre Gangue-Ruzic, ranking inside the top third percentile for successful take-ons (via FBref) and providing LA FC with an average of 7.78 progressive passes per game, ranking him inside the top 10th percentile.
However, with reported interest coming from the Premier League, Rangers may find it difficult to land the £5.6k-per-week ace.
If Cifuentes’ price does rise significantly, it could leave the Gers with a decision to make of whether to go all out for the Ecuadorian or focus their attention elsewhere, especially with the likely departure of Alfredo Morelos who will need replacing.
Only time will tell whether or not Cifuentes will be the player to help Rangers close the gap on their title rivals come next season.
