LAFC recalled Rangers-linked midfielder Jose Cifuentes to their squad for the eventual 2-1 MLS derby defeat to LA Galaxy as their shaky league form continued.
LAFC had previously dropped Jose Cifuentes for their last MLS fixture, a 2-0 defeat to Colorado, which had implications at the top of the division’s Western Conference.
And the poor form continued against LA Galaxy in the El Tráfico derby with Jose Cifuentes a half-time substitute as LAFC slipped to 3rd in their side of the MLS table, three points off leaders St Louis.
Tyler Boyd had given LA Galaxy a first half lead in the match, with Jose Cifuentes’ introduction helping LAFC to score a second half equaliser through Ilie Sanchez within 12 minutes of the restart.
Riqui Puig would then score the winner with 17 minutes to go in front of a record-breaking and now legendary Rose Bowl Crowd, the 82,110 fans in attendance breaking an MLS record on the 4th of July.
LAFC recall Jose Cifuentes amid Rangers links
Rangers have been linked with a move for Jose Cifuentes all summer long with the latest reports suggesting only negotiations with LAFC have to be complete to secure a deal.
The Ecuadorean international midfielder, 24, is now in the final six months of his contract and is technically free to negotiate personal terms and sign a pre-contract elsewhere.
However, Rangers will have to strike a transfer deal with LAFC if they want to bring the midfielder to Ibrox this summer and reports have suggested that could reach up to £1.5m.
There have also been claims in Jose Cifuentes’ home country that LAFC are currently trying to insert add-on clauses into the transfer should his stint with Rangers be a success.
Only last summer was Cifuentes being linked with a move to Newcastle United and this summer Rangers are said to have held off Premier League interest to complete a deal.
Whilst it’s all pointing in the right direction the player’s recall for LAFC against LA Galaxy suggests that everything isn’t quite signed, sealed and delivered just yet.
