Who’s On Rangers Radar: Jose Cifuentes

Yesterday US journalist Tom Bogert (same person who broke the James Sand link) released a story linking Rangers to Ecuadorian international Jose Cifuentes. With his contract expiring at the end of 2023 he could be available for a cut price deal in the summer or for free in the winter. So who is he?

Name – Jose Cifuentes

Age – 24

Nationality – Ecuadorian

Position – CM

Club – LAFC

An energetic all round midfielder he is the type of player that Rangers currently lack in the middle of the pitch. He’s used to playing in a high press which fans would love and also posts numbers that attacking midfielders would be proud of. Last season for LAFC in 36 appearances (29 starts) he scored seven goals and got six assists, the type of numbers Rangers aren’t currently getting from any deeper players. His goals all came from inside the box, two with his head and left foot then three from his right foot and he shows a similar ability to Scott Arfield in arriving into the box at the right time to get shots away.

Alongside his six assists he created eleven big chances and averaged 1.3 key passes per game showing he can be a real creative force from a deeper position. His efforts on the defensive end show how well rounded he is;

• 1.8 Tackles Per Game
• 45% Ground Duels Won (3.8 Per Game)
• 45% Aerial Duels Won (0.8)

He isn’t afraid to get stuck in and picks up really good positions to win loose balls the drive forward to start an attack. He’s a really positive player who looks to get the ball forward as quickly as possible, matching the philosophy Michael Beale is trying to instil in his team.

He is an accomplished dribbler with very quick feet his successful dribble rate of 58% backs this up. He has everything in his locker and could be an excellent addition to the Rangers midfield. Various sources have his current market value at around €12m but with his contract up at the end of this year Rangers could be looking to strike deals similar to Cantwell and Raskin’s.

Is this a potential signing which excites you? Would you try for a cut-price deal this summer to wait for a free transfer in the winter?