Rangers are in the midst of a significant squad overhaul, with Director of Football Nils Koppen tasked with reshaping the team and ensuring financial sustainability. A key part of that process involves finding permanent moves for high-earning players who are no longer in the club’s plans. One of the most pressing cases is that of Ecuadorian midfielder Jose Cifuentes, whose future remains uncertain despite his current loan spell at Aris Thessaloniki.
Cifuentes arrived at Ibrox in the summer of 2023 with high expectations, having impressed in Major League Soccer with LAFC. Rangers saw him as a dynamic midfield addition, capable of bringing energy, ball progression, and defensive stability. However, his time in Glasgow never really got going. He struggled to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of Scottish football, and it quickly became clear that he was not going to be a key figure under then-manager Michael Beale, nor under his successor Philippe Clement.
After just a few months at Ibrox, Cifuentes was loaned out in January 2024 to Cruzeiro in Brazil, a move that was supposed to help him rediscover his best form. However, his time in South America was nothing short of a disaster, as he struggled for minutes and failed to make an impact. Cruzeiro opted not to make the deal permanent, leaving Rangers with an unwanted player and an expensive contract to deal with.
In the summer of 2024, Aris Thessaloniki came calling, and Cifuentes was loaned to the Greek club for the season. Unlike his spell in Brazil, this move has been far more productive. Cifuentes has settled into the Aris midfield, putting in strong performances and helping them compete for a top-six finish in the Greek Super League. While Aris started the season brightly, recent results have left their playoff qualification hopes in jeopardy.
Aris’ Playoff Race and Its Impact on Cifuentes’ Future
As it stands, Aris sits fifth in the Greek Super League, but they are 14 points behind leaders AEK Athens. In Greece, the league splits after 26 matches, with the top six teams moving into a playoff phase where they compete for the title and European qualification. With only three matches left before the split, Aris needs at least five points from their final three games to secure their place in the top six.
If Aris manages to qualify for the playoffs and secure a European spot, it could increase their chances of signing Cifuentes permanently. However, financial constraints could still be a major issue. Reports suggest that Aris has a £4 million option-to-buy clause in Cifuentes’ loan deal, but there is growing doubt about whether the club can afford that fee, even if they want to keep him.
Rangers’ Dilemma: Hold Out or Cut Losses?
From a financial standpoint, Rangers are keen to recoup as much as possible from Cifuentes’ sale. Having signed him from LAFC for around £1.2 million, they will want to turn a profit rather than let him go for a cut-price fee. However, if Aris cannot afford the £4m option, Rangers will have to consider alternative solutions.
One possibility is that Rangers lower their asking price to facilitate a transfer. If Aris can only afford, for example, £2.5m-£3m, Rangers may have to decide whether it’s better to take that fee now or risk being stuck with a player they don’t want. The alternative is finding another buyer, either in Europe or possibly back in MLS, where Cifuentes still has a strong reputation from his LAFC days.
This situation draws parallels to Celtic’s handling of Alexandro Bernabei, another South American signing who failed to make an impact in Scotland. Despite struggling at Parkhead, Celtic managed to offload the Argentine left-back to Internacional in Brazil for £4.5m, a deal that helped them recoup much of their initial investment. Rangers may look at Celtic’s handling of Bernabei and attempt to follow a similar path with Cifuentes.
Cifuentes’ Future: Options Beyond Aris?
While Aris remains the most likely destination for Cifuentes, Rangers might explore other options if the Greek side cannot meet their valuation. Given his experience in MLS, a return to North America could be an option, especially with clubs in need of midfield reinforcements. Inter Miami, Atlanta United, and Orlando City are among the teams that have been linked with midfielders in recent windows.
Additionally, clubs in Mexico’s Liga MX or Spain’s La Liga 2 could show interest, as Cifuentes’ skill set fits well in leagues that prioritize technical ability and ball progression.
If no suitable buyer emerges, Rangers may have to reconsider their stance and either offer him another loan deal or reintegrate him into the squad, though that seems unlikely given his lack of impact in Scotland.
The Summer Window: Make or Break for Cifuentes’ Rangers Exit
With Nils Koppen and the Rangers board focused on reshaping the squad, finding a permanent move for Cifuentes is a priority. The summer transfer window will be crucial in determining his next step, as both Rangers and Aris await clarity on his long-term future.
If Aris secures European football, their financial situation might improve, increasing the chances of a permanent transfer. If not, Rangers will need to find another club willing to take on Cifuentes and his wages.
For now, all eyes are on Aris’ final three league games. Their ability to secure a top-six finish and push for European qualification could ultimately determine whether Cifuentes remains in Greece or if Rangers must start looking for new buyers.
What Should Rangers Do?
The big question is: Should Rangers hold out for the full £4m, or should they accept a lower offer to get Cifuentes off the books?
On one hand, holding out for the full amount could maximize their financial return, but on the other, keeping an unwanted player on the payroll could be costly. Given his struggles in Scotland, Rangers might be better off taking a reasonable fee, even if it’s slightly lower than their initial valuation.
What do you think? Should Rangers be flexible in negotiations, or should they stick to their asking price and wait for the right buyer?