There was a brief moment when Thomas Galdames looked destined to move to Rangers.
No sooner had the Ibrox side ended negotiations with left-sided Panamanian centre-back Jose Cordoba was the pace gathering behind the 25-year-old Chileno defender.
Rangers were named as Thomas Galdames suitors alongside unnamed sides in Belgium as the defender prepares to leave Argentine Primera División side Godoy Cruz.
But as Rangers announce a left-sided centre-back in Clinton Nsiala, following on from the signing of Brazilian left-back Jefte, the deal appears to have stuttered.
That’s despite Galdames insisting that a move will be happening this window with the left-back turned centre-back running into the final six months of his contract.
Throw into the mix Ridvan Yilmaz insisting he is to stay at Rangers next season and now the club look increasingly well-stocked on the left-hand side.
Now, any prospective deal has been hit with yet another delay as Thomas Galdames earns a maiden call-up to the Copa America.
Galdames earns Copa America call
Rangers fans who’re getting their football fix this summer will be able to see Thomas Galdames at the Copa America with Chile.
That’s if the defender is called upon to play.
Bluenoses might’ve had one eye on Chile’s international friendly with Paraguay but Galdames failed to get off the bench and earn his maiden cap for the country.
With clashes against Peru, Argentina and Canada to come in the weeks ahead, any Gers fans keeping an eye on the tournament will hope to catch a glance at the player.
The situation is a double-edged sword for Rangers should they still retain an interest in Thomas Galdames despite the signing of Clinton Nsiala from AC Milan.
If Galdames goes on to leave a big impression with Chile not only will the player’s value increase, but so will the list of suitors hoping to sign him.
Left-sided centre-backs are a useful commodity in football as Rangers well know.
Rangers face competition transfer hurdles
Sod’s Law dictates that Rangers were always destined to run into external roadblocks ahead of what is the biggest transfer window since Steven Gerrard was appointed at Ibrox.
For too long the Gers have put their faith in players who’ve become accustomed to second place in Scotland and the time for change isn’t so much nigh as it is about two years too late.
Philippe Clement has seen some of his most influential players walk out the door for nothing this summer and there is an almighty task on his hands to rebuild ahead of next season.
Aided by Nils Koppen and the new-look Rangers recruitment board, the club hasn’t been helped by the departure of James Bisgrove as CEO.
Throw into the mix the Euro 2024 and Copa America tournaments and suddenly negotiating with agents, clubs and players becomes something of a minefield.
As the radio goes silent on Thomas Galdames, there’s nothing as of yet to suggest that Rangers have officially pulled the plug.
But with the defender in the USA as Chile look to tackle the Copa America, Rangers are faced with another waiting game as Galdames puts his full focus on international duties.
With the rest of the footballing world also on standby as the tournaments get underway, it could be a few weeks yet before we see proper movement toward Glasgow.
