The transfer window hasn’t even opened yet and Rangers pursuit of Jose Cifuentes is the saga of the summer.
With Fabrizio Romano proclaiming that a deal was in the closing stages, the first signing of the summer might not be far away.
Now, Ecuadorean journalist, Stefano Navas, who works for El Canal del Futbol, has revealed that the 15-times capped international has already been to Glasgow.
This also ties in with the movements and social media posts of his agent Stefan Jarrin who went as far as to thank Rangers for their hospitality last weekend.
Writing on his Twitter page, Navas, in response to Fabrizio Romano’s revelation, said:
“Sign it, I just spoke to the Cifu representative and he assured me he was in Glasgow last weekend. Rangers have made a very strong offer, but the main attraction is being able to play in the Champions League or the Europa League and move to the Scottish league that has been raising its level @ElCanalDFutbol”
Rangers are a massive club but we can’t compete with Premier League clubs in terms of wages, but as Navas suggests, we have other chips to bargain with.
Why Rangers still has pulling power for Jose Cifuentes
European football remains a huge advantage for Rangers.
Teams in England might have deeper pockets but they don’t have the prestige, history or regular access to the continent’s pre-eminent competitions.
Players know that if they want to get signed by the biggest and best teams in Europe, the easiest way to make them sit up and notice is by playing well against them.
Rangers fans can’t be precious about being a stepping stone anymore and shouldn’t be concerned about Jose Cifuentes wanting to play at a higher level.
A player trading model built on buying low and selling high has to include targeting players on an upward trajectory and signing them before they make their big move.
Not all of them will be successful, some might leave on free transfers such is the modern game but, as long as they carry the weight of the Light Blue jersey, wear it with the pride and deliver silverware, then everyone will be happy.
