Jose Cifuentes has posted a goodbye message to LAFC to fuel speculation that he’s edging closer to a move to Rangers.
The Ecuadorian midfielder expressed his gratitude to LAFC fans following the team's disappointing defeat to Leon in the Concacaf Champions League. Over the two legs of the final, LAFC suffered a 3-1 aggregate loss, leaving a bitter taste for the players and supporters alike.
Cifuentes, who played the entirety of the first game and was brought on at half time during the second leg, may have bid farewell to the club with this defeat. His imminent departure for international duty with Ecuador, where they will face Bolivia and Costa Rica in a doubleheader, only fuels speculation about his future.
Cifuentes took to social media to share images from the clash against Leon and conveyed a message to his followers: "Give your best, wish for the best, and always pray to God for better things. Thank you, @lafc family and amazing fans, for all the support."
This heartfelt statement attracted the attention of Rangers fans, who wasted no time in flooding the comments section.
In a move that adds fuel to the fire, Cifuentes promptly liked all the comments from Rangers supporters, providing a significant hint that a transfer could be finalized in the near future.
The 24-year-old midfielder has been with LAFC since 2020, following his transfer from Universidad Catolica. However, it seems that a move to Europe, particularly to Rangers, is on the horizon for this highly-rated player. Leeds United and other clubs have also expressed interest in Cifuentes, who will be out of contract in December, but it appears that Rangers are the frontrunners for his signature.
The Scottish club will need to reach an agreement with LAFC regarding the transfer fee, but it’s understood that Rangers are confident of finding a compromise. With the summer transfer window approaching, all eyes are on Rangers as they strive to rebuild their squad to mount a challenge to Celtic next season - with boss Ange Postecoglou departing for Tottenham Hotspur.
Should the deal go through, Cifuentes will join Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling at Ibrox with Michael Beale close to landing goalkeeper Jack Butland.
