£1.2m man explains why he did not leave Rangers for English or Turkish club

In the first half of the current season, Mohamed Diomande has already made far more contributions in just five appearances in Scotland’s top flight than his successor did. Although Jose Cifuentes has an impressive goal scoring record in the Major League Soccer (MLS) with LAFC, he did not score a single goal in his twenty appearances for Rangers—though it must be noted that many of those came in an ill-fitting deep-lying role.

Arriving from Nordsjaelland to secure a position that Cifuentes found difficult to claim, Diomande has already scored twice, including a fantastic goal into the far corner to start Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing of Hearts. Furthermore, Diomande’s arrival and his rapid impact make it seem doubtful that Cifuentes will have much of a future under a manager in Philippe Clement, who has consistently shown doubts about his abilities. Cifuentes’ Ibrox contract has an option-to-buy clause worth allegedly around £4.5 million.

Has Jose Cifuentes played his final game for Rangers?

A few weeks ago, Cifuentes signed a contract with Cruzeiro on loan, with a permanent condition. The Ecuadorian international gives an explanation for his choice, acknowledging that family concerns played a major, though not exclusive, role in his decision to return to South America over a number of other choices.

Two Russian teams expressed interest in signing me.That was something that could not be done, though, because of the ongoing conflict there, Cifuentes told Globo Esporte. “Some American and European teams were unable to get funding from Russia.”A Turkish team was present, along with the English Championship.Theoretically, it would last for five months.It would therefore be problematic to move my family from their current home to a new one.I’m here because I had to make the best choice.

Mohamed Diomande helps Rangers stay top

Last Saturday, Cifuentes made his long-awaited Cruzeiro debut, entering the game late in a 2-0 victory off the bench. The exact amount Cruzeiro would have to spend to sign the 24-year-old on a permanent basis is still unknown, despite Rangers having spent £1.2 million to bring the former America de Quito player to Ibrox.

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