Damian Garcia appears to have signed to a new contract with Penarol, which has put an end to Rangers’ aspirations of signing him.
The gifted 20-year-old playmaker has been linked to a summer transfer to Ibrox, where Philippe Clement is looking to replace the recently departing Ryan Jack and John Lundstram. The Germans have previously made a move for Jefte, a left-back for Fluminense, after closely monitoring the South American market.
Excellent As Garcia approaches the last six months of his contract, he is reportedly another player that the Light Blues have their eye on. Although Edgardo Lasalvia, Garcia’s agent, recently criticized the team’s revised offer, talks on an extended deal had stuck despite Garcia’s established status as a vital member of Penarol.
Speculation has ramped up in recent days that Rangers were extremely keen to conclude a deal for Garcia but Uruguayan media outlet DSports has today reported that the youngster has finally thrashed out a new deal with Penarol and will commit his future to the club until December 2026.
It’s said that Garcia will receive a salary increase and the new deal will include an exit clause of around £7.8million, which would all but scupper an imminent move to Glasgow.
Boss Clement and director of football recruitment Nils Koppen have been working closely together as Gers rebuild their squad ahead of the new season. AC Milan defender Clinton Nsiala this week became the Ibrox club’s third summer signing following the captures of Jefte and Oscar Cortes. Rangers are also obligated to pay Danish side FC Nordsjaelland £4.3m to sign Mohamed Diomande on a permanent deal.