Transfer Drama Peaks as Key Player’s Departure Fuels Rangers Exodus

According to Tera Deportes, Jose Cifuentes has already been to Greece in preparation for his move from Rangers to Aris Thessaloniki.

On August 9, the Ecuadorian news outlet stated that the 25-year-old will have his medical and sign a contract to complete the deal.

Cifuentes has decided to leave Cruzeiro and join the Greek club on loan with a buyout clause. The Ecuadorian international will follow Sam Lammers, John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson, and Kemar Roofe out the door. Tera Deportes stated on X: “Ecuadorian José Cifuentes will join with Aris of Greece, the squad that his compatriot Kike Saverio plays for in that country’s premier division.

“Cifuentes arrives on loan until December with the option to purchase him. The Ecuadorian has already flown to Greece to have a medical check and sign his new deal.

Rangers should never have signed Jose Cifuentes

Gers’ decision to sign Cifuentes in 2023 was questionable, as it ultimately failed to achieve the promised results.

Despite strong performances in the MLS with LAFC, Cifuentes unable to recreate his success in Scotland.

His limited playing time and disappointing performances demonstrated a mismatch between his ability and the needs of the Ibrox club. The loan move to Cruzeiro complicated the transfer even further, indicating a lack of long-term planning or faith in Cifuentes’ ability to adjust to Scottish football.

The following loan to Aris Thessaloniki implies that Rangers were eager to cut their losses and move on from a player who had failed to meet expectations.

In retrospect, the club should have done a more comprehensive investigation into the Ecuadorian’s appropriateness for their style of play and the demands of the Scottish Premiership. In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement’s top priority has been disclosed, as more moves are considered ahead of the August 30 transfer deadline.