Rangers are reportedly keen on signing Los Angeles FC’s Major League Soccer star Jose Cifuentes and the Ecuador international is making no secret of his desire to play on the other side of the Atlantic.
Ecuador might have failed to make it out of the group stages at the Qatar World Cup, but that is not to say they – like fellow underdogs Canada – did not emerge from the tournament with their reputations greatly enhanced.
Star striker Enner Valencia may be other side of 30 these days. But, in Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie and the aforementioned Cifuentes, the South American nation can hang their hopes upon some of the most exciting young talent anywhere on the continent.
Cifuentes – an ‘incredibly talented’ central midfielder – scored seven goals and set up eight more during the 2022 MLS campaign. And with Rangers looking for a man to partner Nicolas Raskin in a new-look engine room, 24-year-old Cifuentes could be an addition potentially capable of closing the not-inconsiderable gap between the Gers and their Old Firm rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings.
Rangers like Premier League target Jose Cifuentes
Cifuentes reportedly has admires at Leeds and a Brighton side who have made outstanding use of the South American market.
Rangers are in contention too; via MLS reporter Tom Bogert.
And while Cifuentes did not give much away regarding his preferred destination, a player who could have joined Celtic a couple of summers ago is not hiding his desire to make a name for himself in Europe sooner rather than later.
“Yes, it is a wish,” Cifuentes tells Zona Deportiva. “I do not see it as much as an ambition, it is something I dreamed of as a child.
“If I left (last December) or this summer, I will take it in the best way. I think the club knows, and I have discussed it with them.
“Now, I am here. And I am focused on having a great season. We don’t know what will happen in hte summer. Right now, I have a responsibility here with my team. I feel calm. And I think you know that, while I am here, I will give everything.”
Cifuentes’ contract expires at the end of this year. Leeds reportedly offered £4 million a few months back. It remains to be seen how much LAFC will demand now as his deal runs down.
Rangers are also keeping tabs on fellow midfielders Hwang In-Beom of Olympiakos and Koln’s Germany U21 international Denis Huseinbasic.
Dimitrios Kourbelis, however, is set to sign a new contract at Greek giants Panathinaikos.
