Jose Cifuentes desperate ahead of Rangers return after Olympiakos transfer twist

Rangers midfielder Jose Cifuentes has found himself knocked down the pecking order at Ibrox since joining in August 2023.

The Ecuadorian joined the Blues from Los Angeles FC for £1.2million under then-manager Michael Beale.

After his sacking, Cifuentes struggled for gametime under Beale’s replacement Philippe Clement and was sent out on loan to Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro and Greek SuperLeague side Aris Salonika.

Now, the 26-year-old returns with a point to prove, despite interest from elsewhere.

Cifuentes wants to fight at Rangers despite Olympiakos interest

Rangers head coach Russell Martin has promised every member of the Gers squad they will be given a chance after last year’s disastrous season.

Martin has, however, been quick to make changes to his squad with several summer signings already.

The 49ers and Andrew Cavenagh have already brought in the likes of Max Aarons and Joe Rothwell, but according to the Daily Record (3 July), Cifuentes is desperate to fight for his place at Gers.

Cifuentes registered 29 appearances for Aris, who finished fifth to qualify for the Europa Conference League.

The Greek side initially negotiated a £4m option to buy the midfielder but failed to persuade the Gers to lower the asking price.

Cifuentes also held talks with Greek giants Olympiacos over the summer, but the player has decided he wants to fight, returning to Auchenhowie on Friday.

The Ecuador international won’t be short of midfield competition next season with Nico Raskin, Mohamed Diomande and new signing Rothwell all in competition for a starting place.

Cifuentes should move on this summer

Having already signed Rothwell, Gers boss Martin has decided that he wants more strength in midfield.

José Cifuentes 2024-25 statistics

Despite a promise to give the Rangers players a clean slate, the new manager is bound to want to implement his own ideas and players onto the team.

If Cifuentes is to have any hope of regular gametime this season, it is likely to depend on injuries to the Gers’ midfield, and while in his best playing years, the Ecuadorian can’t risk a season of no minutes.