Rangers are finally set to confirm the signing of LA FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes, but fans will still have to wait before seeing him in action.
Michael Beale’s side kick off the season away at Kilmarnock on Saturday, but the Ecuadorian midfielder will not play a part in the match.
Journalist Pranav Shahaney has confirmed that Cifuentes is flying in for his Rangers medical today, with a deal set to be confirmed soon, but that he will not feature on Saturday.
This is perhaps a tactical decision by Beale to allow the player more time to settle in Glasgow, and to train with his new teammates rather than being thrown straight into the action.
This means his debut will almost certainly come at Ibrox, with a Champions League qualifier to be played next Wednesday ahead of a clash against Livingston on August 12th.
What makes Cifuentes so good?
The midfielder has been described as “incredibly talented” by his old boss Steve Cherundolo, and has caught the eye in his 121 games for LA FC, scoring 15 and assisting 20 times in a box-to-box role.
A full Ecuador international, Cifuentes appeared twice at the World Cup in Qatar, coming on as a substitute against the hosts in the curtain raiser and against Senegal as his side fell just short in the group stage.
The deal looks set to be completed for £1.2m, and Cifuentes will follow Kieran Dowell into the Rangers midfield to help replace Glen Kamara, who is on the verge of an exit.
His ability on the ball will be useful in the middle of the park, particularly his strong dribbling skills which can help in games where Rangers are being pressed.
Whilst it might take time for Cifuentes to settle, this is a transfer to be excited about, and he has the potential to become a key player for Beale’s new-look side.
