Rangers move for Brazilian left-back Jefte is on hold after a twist in the story was reported by Fabrizio Romano.
The 20-year old is currently on loan at APOEL and has returned to training after a short period of absence, however, as revealed by the transfer supremo, it’s not all bad news.
Rangers aren’t desperate for a left-back but a return for Jefte in the summer now looks likely with one crucial detail being revealed by Fabrizio Romano.
Rangers move for Jefte put on hold until the summer
It was the Italian journalist who broke the news of our attempt to sign the young defender after reaching an agreement with Fluminense.
After speculation throughout the day, he then confirmed that a January transfer had been ruled out.
The reason is an understandable one, APOEL don’t want to lose a good player so close to the end of the transfer window, especially as they are currently under a FIFA transfer embargo.
Romano has explained why it isn’t all bad news though:
“Jefté-Rangers deal has collapsed as Apoel are not willing to break loan for the second half of the season…
“…but I’m told Rangers have verbal pact in place to reactivate the option to sign Jefté in the summer transfer window.
“Deal could really happen in June.”
With Borna Barisic being out of contract in the summer, it looks like a pretty straight forward equation.
Keep Ridvan Yilmaz and the Croatian at Ibrox for the rest of the season and then return for Jefte when Rangers have space for him in their squad.
Ridvan has been in fine form of late and Jefte looks like a similar type of full-back in that he is comfortable driving at players and supporting the midfield.
Left-back wasn’t a priority in this window but it looks like we have, at least, made things easier for the summer by agreeing terms in advance.
Hopefully, APOEL are a club that sticks to their word.
