Rangers Set to Sign Ecuadorian Midfielder Jose Cifuentes from LAFC
Rangers Football Club is on the verge of completing a deal to sign Ecuador international midfielder Jose Cifuentes from LAFC, according to sources with direct knowledge of the agreement. The Scottish club had previously reached a pre-contract agreement with Cifuentes in January, but they have now decided to pay a fee to secure his services immediately.
Cifuentes, who is 24 years old, joined LAFC in 2020 after an impressive performance at the U-20 World Cup. Since then, he has made 121 appearances for the club, becoming an integral part of their success. Last year, he played a crucial role in LAFC’s MLS Cup/Supporters’ Shield double-winning campaign, featuring in all but one of the club’s 37 league games and contributing seven goals and six assists.
Known for his versatility and ability to cover ground across the midfield, Cifuentes has also represented Ecuador at the international level. He has earned 16 caps and was part of the national team’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar. Cifuentes is part of a promising young generation of Ecuadorian players who finished third at the 2019 U-20 World Cup before making the transition to the senior team.
Rangers, who finished second in the Scottish Premiership last season behind Celtic, are eager to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign. Their first league game of the 2023-24 season is scheduled for August 5 against Kilmarnock, and Cifuentes is seen as a key target for the club this summer.
Meanwhile, LAFC is undergoing a period of transition following their successful double-winning season. Several players have departed the club, including Chicho Arango (now at Real Salt Lake), Mahala Opoku (CF Montreal), Gareth Bale (who has retired), Sebastian Mendez (Sao Paulo), Franco Escobar (Houston Dynamo), Sebastien Ibeagha (FC Dallas), and Cristian Tello (Al Fateh). Despite these changes, LAFC has managed to maintain a strong position in the Western Conference, currently sitting third with 32 points after 20 matches. They have also reached the final of the CONCACAF Champions League this season.
The acquisition of Cifuentes by Rangers is expected to provide a significant boost to their midfield options. His energy, technical ability, and experience at both club and international level make him an exciting addition to the team. Rangers fans will be eagerly anticipating his debut and hoping that he can help propel the club to success in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, Rangers Football Club is finalizing a deal to sign Ecuadorian midfielder Jose Cifuentes from LAFC. The 24-year-old has been a standout performer for LAFC, contributing to their recent success in the MLS. His versatility and international experience make him an excellent addition to the Rangers squad as they aim to challenge for the Scottish Premiership title. With the upcoming season just around the corner, fans will be eagerly awaiting Cifuentes’ impact on the team.