After Allan McGregor’ testimonial the Rangers manager, Michael Beale, was asked for an update on transfer business with fans eagerly awaiting further announcements, despite already bringing in seven new signings to date in this window. He answered fairly clearly, appearing to give the Cifuentes deal the thumbs up, declaring “We are close” whilst he did confirm ongoing discussions with Danilo but also pointed out Rangers are involved in similar discussions with an as yet unknown forward.
Of the two deals Beale made clear Cifuentes was closer to happening and it’s likely this one will get over the line. Obviously his present club, LAFC are holding out for a fee for him, however he is coming into the last six months of his contract so they will be aware they don’t have a great hand to play with. This should all be fairly familiar to most Rangers fans with Kent and Morelos in a similar situation last season.
Cifuentes in action for Los Angeles FC
In this case the Americans do seem willing to sell and have been rumoured to be holding out for a fee of approx €1m for the Ecuadorian international. If this were happening at any other stage of his contract then Rangers would likely be priced out of this deal with a current market value of around €12m being quoted over various football data sites. As it is we have the opportunity to sign a bright young talent and enjoy him for a few years. In return we put Cifuentes in the shop window for a potential move to a bigger league, such as the EPL. This is exactly the sort of profile the club need to be looking at with potential to make big money under our player trading model.
His best attributes are around build-up play and pressing, both of which will be incredibly valuable for us, especially when you pair him alongside the impressive Nico Raskin. He would present a nightmare for teams who like to build their play, rather than just launching long balls as he will be harrying them as soon as they receive the ball. Even when we do face teams who favour the “punt and run” approach he will still be a real asset as he is in the top 20% of MLS midfielders for build-up and xG assisted.
Cifuentes vs other MLS midfielders last season (via StatsBomb)
The time also seems right now, with the MLS heading into a summer break. This allows his current team time and space to bring in a replacement and get them up to speed. Meanwhile, despite it only being pre-season, neither Jack or Lundstram showed much in our Newcastle game and the manager freely admitted we need another body through the door in midfield. The time is right, the price feels right, lets just get this one finished please Rangers!
Moving forward a line Danilo Pereira da Silva is the name on most folks (although most people are sticking to Danilo!) lips as he has been a widely reported name and has made clear himself, much as Cifuentes has, that he wants this move. We have seen Antonio Colak heading out of Ibrox over the last week so there is definitely a slot to fill but Rangers are reportedly hitting a stumbling block when trying to complete the deal.
Danilo in action for Feyenoord
As reported by various media outlets the Feyenoord coach, Arne Slot, is personally blocking this move at the moment. By the reporting he doesn’t really rate Danilo and is open to the idea of him leaving but not before they recruit some attackers themselves. At present his only fit striker is Mexican international, Santiago Giminez, and he is suspended for the clubs first two UCL games meaning they’ve got a real crisis up front.
Danilo doesn’t suffer the same issue as our other incoming attackers, where he is coming off the back of a poor season. The Brazilian managed 14 goals across all competitions last season, including the Dutch league and Cup, as well as the Europa League. In itself the numbers aren’t hugely impressive but it’s worth noting a lot of these appearances were as a sub, for example in the league last year he started just 14 out of his 34 appearances, as he played second fiddle to €25m striker, Giminez.
Danilo vs Other Eredivisie Forwards (as per datamb)
From the radar above it doesn’t look like we can expect as much off the ball action as Lammers, Cantwell etc but the one thing it does highlight is the boy looks like he will definitely be in the right place to score some goals and is capable of some assists as well.
As of right now nobody knows who the other forward Beale mentioned is or even if there is another forward at all! It’s definitely not Traore as he has now signed for Sheffield United but from what I’ve seen and heard I’m pretty set on getting Danilo into the club. He is one to genuinely excite the fans and bringing him and Cifuentes in will see our incoming business just about complete with just a Centre Back left to secure.
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