The transfer window isn’t even open and already there are the early signs of Rangers being embroiled in something of a saga.
In January, Ridvan Yilmaz was the subject of some intense speculation from his homeland, however, the Turkey international became a key player under Philippe Clement until injury derailed his season.
With several players of the Rangers squad expected to leave at the end of their contracts and others likely to be sold, interest in one player who seemed a done deal in the winter window could be back on the cards.
Jefte deal impasse sees January repeat after Rangers interest
Nikos Kougialis, the APOEL vice-president, has given a running commentary on his club’s pursuit of sealing a permanent deal for Jefte.
The Brazilian left-back was said to be close to coming to Ibrox, but the 20-year old is in a difficult situation.
Owned by Fluminense, APOEL have a reported option-to-buy deal arranged in the region of £400,000.
The Cypriot’s finances aren’t great, but they know that there is almost immediate profit if they can dig deep and find the money, a situation that seemed to be the previous deal breaker.
Speaking in January, transfer supremo Fabrizio Romano revealed that Jefte was intent on making the move to Glasgow:
“The player wants to go there, but he is on loan to APOEL Nicosia. The only way to make it happen is to get approval from APOEL Nicosia to break the loan and let him go to Rangers.
“Rangers are waiting for the green light, but it is still not arriving. Let’s see what happens because, otherwise, Rangers could look at some other options in that position.
“But I can guarantee that Jefte is really pushing to make it happen as soon as possible.”
Kougialis is positive that APOEL can still sign Jefte, however, he says that the transfer hinges on one thing:
“We have notified his club that we want to keep him and we are willing to pay the release clause.
“Obviously, for the transfer to go through, the player himself must agree with the transfer.
“We put a proposal to him a few days ago, but he has yet to respond.”
Jefte playing the waiting game with Rangers in the background
Jefte fell out of favour with APOEL after going awol, seemingly in an attempt to force through a move to Rangers.
When it became clear that it couldn’t be done and the transfer broke down, both parties kissed and made up.
Rangers will still need a left-back in the summer due to Borna Barisic’s departure.
The scouting has been done on the Brazilian so it would be a surprise to see Nils Koppen and Philippe Clement veer away from a player that will have been watched extensively.
In terms of the transfer fee, it’s not a lot of money which means that Rangers can afford to be patient.
There will be a time limit on APOEL’s option-to-buy clause and, if it expires, it is Fluminense, not the Cyrpriot’s that Rangers would have to deal with.
The ball is firmly in Jefte’s court.
It is easy to see why he might be hesitant to commit to APOEL if Rangers are still interested in bringing him to Glasgow.
Kougialis will be getting nervous because of the radio silence, hopefully it’s because Koppen’s phone has been ringing off the hook.
