A club are believed to have entered negotiations with Rangers over a permanent deal to sign an Ibrox player who has recently been transformed.
Rangers manager and takeover latest
The Gers have had an eventful start to 2025, to say the least. A shock Scottish Cup exit to Queen’s Park was the beginning of the end for Philippe Clement, who was sacked in February after 16 months in charge.
The club decided to bring in former Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson on an interim basis until the end of the season, and the Scot guided Rangers to an impressive 3-1 win in Turkey over Fenerbahce last week.
A place in the Europa League quarter-finals is firmly in Rangers’ grasp as a result, and there is also the ongoing process of a takeover involving a group of US investors.
The 49ers Enterprises have agreed a deal in principle to take charge in Glasgow, with Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe and health insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh leading the bid.
They are hoping a deal will be completed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and one of their first tasks will be to bring in a new permanent manager.
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Steven Gerrard has been linked with a return to Ibrox, whereas Rafa Benitez is thought to be the preferred target for the 49ers. Russell Martin has also responded to rumours linking him with the Rangers job on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, and whoever comes in ay not be able to work with one specific player going off a recent exit update.
Rangers in talks to sell Cifuentes for less than £3m
Rangers midfielder Jose Cifuentes is currently on loan at Aris Thessaloniki, who have the option to buy the Ecuadorian in the summer for around £3m.
The 26-year-old has made 25 appearances in all competitions over in Greece in 2024/25, but there were rumours he could have returned in January after some early poor performances and turning up late for training towards the end of 2024.
However, as per reports relayed by Herald Scotland, Cifuentes has been transformed under manager Apostolos Mantzios and Aris Thessaloniki want to make his loan move permanent over the coming months.
There is a catch, though, with the club entering negotiations with Rangers to lower the £3m figure. The Scottish giants signed Cifuentes from Los Angeles FC for around £1.2m, so it’ll be interesting to see if the Gers do lower the £3m fee.
Appearances
20
Goals
0
Assists
2
Yellow cards
0
Red cards
1
Minutes played
1,247
A move looks set to be one to watch following this update, but with Cifuentes turning things around in Greece, a permanent exit could make sense for all involved.