The Rangers are interested in signing Jose Cifuentes, a Major League Soccer star from Los Angeles FC.
Cifuentes has expressed his desire to play in Europe, and Rangers are looking for a midfielder to partner with Nicolas Raskin. Cifuentes scored seven goals and assisted eight in the 2022 MLS campaign.
Although Ecuador didn’t advance past the group stages in the Qatar World Cup, their reputation was greatly enhanced.
The country has some of the most exciting young talent in South America, such as Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie, and Jose Cifuentes. While Enner Valencia is past his prime, Ecuador’s future looks promising.
Jose Cifuentes is a highly skilled central midfielder who could help Rangers catch up to their Old Firm rivals, Celtic, in the Scottish Premiership standings.
Cifuentes is 24 years old and had a productive 2022 MLS season, scoring seven goals and assisting eight. Leeds and Brighton are also reportedly interested in the Ecuadorian.
Jose Cifuentes has admirers at Leeds and Brighton in addition to Rangers, according to MLS reporter Tom Bogert.
Although Cifuentes hasn’t revealed his preferred destination, he has expressed a desire to play in Europe and make a name for himself there. He was also previously linked to Celtic.
“Yes, it is a wish,” Cifuentes tells Zona Deportiva. “I do not see it as much as an ambition, it is something I dreamed of as a child.
“If I left (last December) or this summer, I will take it in the best way. I think the club knows, and I have discussed it with them.
“Now, I am here. And I am focused on having a great season. We don’t know what will happen in hte summer. Right now, I have a responsibility here with my team. I feel calm. And I think you know that, while I am here, I will give everything.”
Cifuentes is nearing the end of his contract this year, and there were reports that Leeds offered £4 million a few months ago. It’s uncertain how much LAFC will ask for now that his contract is expiring.
Meanwhile, Rangers are monitoring midfielders Hwang In-Beom from Olympiakos and Denis Huseinbasic, a Germany U21 international from Koln.
On the other hand, Dimitrios Kourbelis is expected to sign a new contract with Panathinaikos, a prominent Greek team.
