Excitement around high-profile Rangers target Jose Cifuentes arriving for a medical ahead of a move to Ibrox appears premature after the midfielder turned out for LAFC.
The Ecuadorean international, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to Rangers and reports this week claimed a medical was imminent as a switch to Glasgow is rubber stamped.
But with Jose Cifuentes just turning out for LAFC – in fact starting the match – it’s cooled the excitement of Rangers supporters who felt a medical was imminent.
The MLS star earned a first-half yellow card in the eventual 0-0 draw with Atlanta United, eventually being subbed off with only two minutes left of the game.
Jose Cifuentes Rangers medical excitement cooled
The chatter surrounding a potential Rangers medical for Jose Cifuentes was also intensified by the player himself, who appeared to signal the end of his LAFC career on Instagram.
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In a message to supporters, the ex-America de Quito star appears to wave goodbye as he thanked the LAFC for his experience at the club over the last three-and-a-half years, despite having six months to run on his contract.
“Give your best, wish for the best and always pray to God for better things,” read the message.
“Thank you LAFC family and amazing fans for all the support.”
Combine this with reports of an imminent medical, and it’s hard to blame fans for believing the next jersey they’d see Jose Cifuentes wearing would be a Rangers one.
But as it’s transpired the midfielder is still very much an LAFC player, as evidenced by his involvement v Atlanta United, where Cifuentes was actually recalled to the starting XI.
The World Cup star’s presence on the park is also a blow to claims that a Rangers deal would be completed after the CONCACAF Champions League Final, which LAFC lost to Leon.
Rangers have already added three players to the side this transfer window, with leading club insiders Heart & Hand claiming that the interest in making Jose Cifuentes the fourth is legitimate.