In what appears to be a swift departure from Rangers, midfielder José Cifuentes seems to be on the verge of leaving Ibrox earlier than expected. The Ecuadorian international, who joined the Scottish club from Los Angeles FC last summer for £1.2 million, is reportedly heading to Turkish team Rizespor. The deal is said to be a loan for the remainder of the season, with an option for Rizespor to make the move permanent for £2 million.
Cifuentes’ Arrival and High Expectations
When Cifuentes arrived at Rangers, his signing was seen as a significant coup for the club. The then-manager, Michael Beale, secured the 24-year-old midfielder amid interest from several other clubs. The Ecuadorian international came to Ibrox with high expectations, given his impressive stint with Los Angeles FC.
During his time with Rangers, Cifuentes made 20 appearances for the club. Despite the initial excitement surrounding his arrival, the midfielder struggled to make a significant impact on the pitch. With no goals to his name and only two assists, Cifuentes faced challenges adapting to the Scottish game.
On December 12th, Rangers encountered a setback as José Cifuentes received a red card during their triumph over Dundee after a VAR review. Unfortunately for the midfielder and the club, an appeal to overturn the decision was rejected, resulting in Cifuentes’ exclusion from pivotal matches, including the Viaplay Cup final against Aberdeen and a Scottish Premiership encounter with St Johnstone. This incident, occurring in mid-December, has added an extra layer of complexity to Rangers’ midfield dynamics and could potentially impact the club’s decisions as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
Change of Managers Impacted Cifuentes
The arrival of Philippe Clement as the new Rangers manager marked a turning point for Cifuentes. The midfielder found it increasingly difficult to secure a spot in the first team, raising questions about his future with the club. Reports suggest that Cifuentes failed to settle in Glasgow, with concerns about his fitness and recurring injuries hindering his progress on the field.
In recent weeks, rumours have circulated about personal issues affecting Cifuentes. Allegedly, events in his personal life, coupled with difficulties adjusting to the cold Scottish winter weather, have added to the challenges he faced in his stint with Rangers. These off-field struggles may have contributed to the decision for a potential move to Rizespor.
Rangers Look to be Busy Towards End of Transfer Window
With Cifuentes set to depart, Rangers seem poised for a busy end to the transfer window. Speculation surrounds the potential arrival of Jefte to Ibrox, adding to the anticipation surrounding the transfer activity at the Scottish club. Additionally, the ongoing saga linking Yilmaz to a move to Turkey continues to capture the attention of the football community.
Rangers Football Club has successfully bolstered their midfield with the acquisition of Mohamed Diomande from Nordsjælland. The Ivorian midfielder, who operates in the same position as José Cifuentes, adds depth and versatility to the team’s midfield lineup.
Known for his technical prowess, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game, Diomande’s arrival is anticipated to provide a dynamic and competitive edge to Rangers’ midfield. As the club continues to navigate the challenges of the season, the addition of Diomande showcases Rangers’ commitment to strengthening their squad and maintaining a formidable presence in both domestic and international competitions.
Conclusion
José Cifuentes’ time at Rangers appears to be reaching an early conclusion, with a move to Turkish side Rizespor on the horizon. Despite the initial excitement surrounding his arrival, the midfielder faced challenges on and off the pitch, ultimately leading to his departure. As the transfer window draws to a close, Rangers fans will be eagerly awaiting news on potential incoming players and the resolution of ongoing transfer sagas.