Godwin ObajeRangers Midfielder Jose Cifuentes Nears Ibrox Exit as Igamane Saga Rumbles On
While Hamza Igamane’s future continues to dominate headlines at Ibrox, it appears Rangers may be set to offload another player in the coming days, with Jose Cifuentes reportedly close to an exit.
The Ecuadorian midfielder’s time in Glasgow has failed to live up to expectations. Brought in with considerable optimism during Michael Beale’s tenure, Cifuentes was seen as a dynamic option who could inject much-needed energy into Rangers’ midfield. Yet his move has not panned out as the club had hoped.
Beale himself was among those who initially talked up the player’s potential. Speaking to reporters during his time at the helm, the former manager said: “He is clearly a talented player and the more he plays, the more people will be aware of that. He is a player we brought in with high hopes for and this gives him an opportunity to have a run in the team now.”
But that promise never quite materialised into consistent performances. Following a difficult spell under Beale, Cifuentes was shipped out on loan to Aris Saloniki for the remainder of last season. While the Greek club were given the option to make the deal permanent for around £4 million, they ultimately decided against triggering the clause, leaving the midfielder back at Ibrox and his future unresolved.
According to Studio Futbol journalist Cesar Luis Melo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Cifuentes is now edging closer to a move away, with his representatives working to secure him a fresh start elsewhere. Olympiacos had shown interest earlier this summer but talks failed to progress, leaving the door open for alternative suitors. While his next destination is yet to be confirmed, sources close to the player believe an agreement could be struck within days.
It marks another bit of transfer business for Russell Martin, who has already overseen a busy window since stepping into the manager’s role. The new boss has been clear that his focus is on shaping a squad that can hit the ground running in Champions League qualifiers and push Celtic harder than last season. That means decisions need to be made swiftly on fringe players like Cifuentes, who do not appear to feature in Martin’s plans.
Meanwhile, the speculation surrounding Hamza Igamane refuses to die down. Despite reports that the young forward had agreed personal terms with Lille, no breakthrough has been reached on a fee. The French club are believed to see Igamane as an ideal replacement for Jonathan David, but Rangers are standing firm on their valuation and unwilling to budge unless their demands are met.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri claimed that Igamane, who netted 16 goals across all competitions last season, wants the move. Whether Lille return with an improved offer remains to be seen. For now, Igamane has returned to Rangers training as the squad ramps up preparations for the new campaign under Martin.
Keeping hold of Igamane would be seen as a significant coup for Rangers, especially as they try to rebuild momentum and stability ahead of a demanding season. But the likely departure of Cifuentes underlines the scale of the rebuild Martin is overseeing as he attempts to reshape the squad with the right balance of fresh talent and proven quality.
For Rangers supporters, the next few weeks promise to be eventful. With European qualifiers just around the corner, the club will hope to settle its transfer dealings swiftly to give Martin the settled squad he needs to lay the foundations for success.
Godwin Obaje
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