Rangers move for Jose Cifuentes seems to have been given the green light now that MLS is on a break.
The Ecuador international has been “close” to moving to Ibrox for weeks with sources in the States claiming it was 95% done.
Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that it is almost signed and sealed but Rangers move for Jose Cifuentes might hinge, not on agreeing a fee with Los Angeles FC, but in Glen Kamara leaving instead.
Michael Beale has front loaded this summer’s recruitment but it still makes sense for the Gers gaffer to want to make room first before making another big outlay.
The Finland international always seemed certain to leave this year with his game time diminishing by the week last season.
Why Rangers transfer plans for Jose Cifuentes could hinge on Kamara exit
Given what Rangers paid for Glen Kamara, if the reported £4m plus add ons and a 10% sell on fee is great business for what is essentially a fringe player.
Michael Beale will just be hoping that the 27-year old’s departure can be finalised sooner, rather than later after recent reports that a potential move to Leeds United isn’t quite as close as first thought.
What makes the deal even better is that Jose Cifuentes is going to cost less than half of what Rangers are reportedly bringing in for Kamara.
An upgrade to the starting XI and matchday squad, a more suitable player in terms of style of play and £2m in the back pocket.
A good deal all round.
It is also the perfect example of how a player trading model works.
Not every player exit has to be a record breaker, every little helps and all that.
Signing a player on the cheap doesn’t guarantee a profit but if you can keep the cycle going in terms of squad building and make money in the process then you are on the right tracks.
With Antonio Colak away, Scott Wright, Glen Kamara and Fashion Sakala all linked with moves to add to Malik Tillman potentially making £1.6m if he moves to Stuttgart, Rangers have made a hefty dent in this summer’s spend without losing any key players.
Rangers are, finally, on the right path to self sufficiency – if Michael Beale gets his way.
