Jose Cifuentes: Rangers teammate in emotional message as Cruzeiro loan confirmed

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Rangers striker Danilo has sent an emotional message to Ecuadorean midfielder Jose Cifuentes after he agreed a switch to Cruzeiro.

The Ibrox side have officially announced the transfer of the 24-year-old World Cup star, who only joined the Gers from MLS side LAFC six months ago.

Interestingly, the transfer only includes an option-to-buy with Jose Cifuentes set to play a full year in Brazil before the Belo Horizonte side makes a decision on his future.

With that in mind, Jose Cifuentes could theoretically still wind up back at Rangers as he puts his European dream on hold for now.

Danilo sends Jose Cifuentes best wishes

Despite the fact that Jose Cifuentes is still *technically* a Rangers player, Brazilian teammate Danilo has sent an emotional message on social media.

The pair both joined Rangers in the summer and have found it particularly tough in the frosty north of Scotland, injuries hampering the progress of both players.

But whilst Danilo certainly appears happier in the country than Jose, the Brazilian hitman sent a message to his South American brother on his official Instagram stories.

After Danilo sent a message saying “I wish you good luck little brother, God bless you”, Jose Cifuentes responded “thank you very much brother for the good wishes”.

Rangers confirm Ecuador midfielder’s Cruzeiro exit

Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro have also officially confirmed the signing of Jose Cifuentes from Rangers on their official social media channels.

Claiming that the deal has been signed to take the midfielder through to the end of 2024, the Campeonato club say they hope the stint is full of “many victories”.

In a later message, Cruzeiro claimed that the only thing which is needed to be resolved with regards the transfer of Jose Cifuentes is “bureaucratic issues”.

Adding that the midfielder is expected in Belo Horizonte next week, the message on X comes amid claims the transfer could be delayed until after Carnival season in the South American country.

In total, Jose Cifuentes played 20 games for Rangers but he hasn’t been seen since the famous 3-2 Europa League victory over Real Betis.

Rangers have serious competition in the middle of the park for places, with John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande all ahead of Cifuentes in the pecking order.