Rodrigo Riquelme is now a fully fledged Spain international but three years ago he might’ve wound up at Rangers.
The 23-year-old Atletico Madrid star earned his Spain debut in the 3-1 win over Cyprus, coming off the bench for Mikel Oyarzabal.
The attacking midfielder then earned his second cap days later, Rodrigo Riquelme coming off the bench with minutes to play in a 3-1 win over Georgia.
With Spain qualifying top of Scotland’s European Championship qualifying group, once Rangers-linked Rodrigo Riquelme will now have one eye on Euro 2024.
Rangers wanted Rodrigo Riquelme
Rangers fans will remember those links to Riquelme in 2020 which came after Atletico Madrid’s youth side faced the Rangers Academy in the UEFA Youth League.
The forward stole the show in a thumping 4-0 victory in Glasgow and first-team manager Steven Gerrard reportedly tried to sign the player heading into the summer.
This is a view which was recently shared by Spanish outlet Marca, who claimed Rangers actively made a bid to sign Rodrigo Riquelme just over three years ago.
Instead opting to move to Bournemouth, it is claimed the status of Scottish football counted against Rangers on this occasion.
Spain talent another loan target
Whilst Rangers missed out on Rodrigo Riquelme – who recently played in a 6-0 thumping of Old Firm rivals Celtic – the loan interest speaks volumes about the Ibrox club’s ambitions.
The links to Riquelme might’ve come earlier, but Rangers have used the loan market to secure top talents in recent seasons.
Bayern talent and USA international Malik Tillman joined the club last season whilst this campaign Rangers have the talented Brighton forward Abdallah Sima on their books.
Given the fact Rodrigo Riquelme is now playing in a talent strewn Spain squad, it’s clear any Rangers interest would’ve been temporary but at least it’s in the right place.
