GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
According to fresh rumors, a deal completed outside of the UK transfer window will see one Rangers player depart Ibrox this week.
January window for the Rangers
Three new players were added to the team on loan for the duration of the season by the Gers and Philippe Clement during the winter transfer window. From Wolves, Nordsjaelland, and Lens, respectively, Fabio Silva, Oscar Cortes, and Mohamed Diomande relocated to Glasgow.
There were also some departures, with Adam Devine moving to Motherwell for the second half of the season and Sam Lammers going on loan to FC Utrecht. However, Ibrox legend Barry Ferguson is pleased with the club’s January sales, stating:
“I’m quietly happy with what I’ve been witnessing and the evident advancements achieved under Clement. Before January had even begun, he brought in Fabio Silva on loan from Wolves, and in the last few days, he has expanded the alternatives even further by acquiring Oscar Cortes and Mohamed Diomande.
“Diomande’s signing appears to be very smart—and not just because of the way the stats were laid out. They were able to sign an intriguing player on loan without having to pay a large number of money until the summer.
“That’s wise from a financial standpoint, but it also gives the player an additional half-year to adjust to the team and become acquainted with Scottish football.” Given that Cortes hasn’t played much football this season in France, I have a suspicion that it will take until next season before we see the best of him.
“However, over the next several weeks, Clement will gradually integrate both of them into his squad, which will be a tremendous boost – and perhaps even a little challenge – for the guys who have been there for a while. I can relate to how it felt to be a rookie player attempting to maintain a spot in the starting lineup.”
Around the world, there is still time for escapes with windows still open, and it appears that one individual in particular may be planning to relocate.
Update on Jose Cifuentes’ move
Even though midfielder Jose Cifuentes only recently arrived in Scotland, there has been a lot of conjecture surrounding him in the previous few days.
Cruzeiro and Rangers have a “agreement well underway” to loan Cifuentes to them for a single season, according to a recent report from Brazil. According to the article, Cifuentes—who Tim Vickery had called “terrific”—will depart Scotland on Friday and travel to his home country of Ecuador. There, he would likely stay for six days before traveling to Brazil to sign a Cruzeiro contract and undergo a medical exam.
With the Rangers this season, Cifuentes has made 20 appearances, 14 of which have been as a starter. But according to WhoScored, he has been the Rangers’ lowest-rated player to have started six or more games, thus it could be best for everyone if he were to temporarily leave.
