Clement seals first summer contract, with Rangers expected to sign in ‘coming days’.
Philippe Clement will understand how important this summer’s transfer window is for Rangers. With up to six Rangers first-teamers out of contract in the coming months, and three loan players nearing the end of their short-term contracts, some significant decisions must be made.
With several high-earners in the team still failing to contribute adequately, one feels that talk of a summer transfer upheaval is more than just idle speculation. However, Oscar Cortes, who joined Rangers on loan from RC Lens in January, appears to be a serious target. However, due to a horrific injury and subsequent surgery, Rangers have reneged on the initial loan-to-buy agreement and are now negotiating with the Ligue 1 team.
According to the most recent sources from South America, a deal for the winger might be reached in the ‘coming days’, implying that Cortes could be the Rangers’ first signing of the summer.
Cortes might be Rangers’ first acquisition this summer. Let’s go back to when the newest wave of reports about Oscar Cortes and the Rangers began.
Philippe Clement sparked speculation about the prospective move of the 20-year-old Colombian winger when he revealed that talks were underway with RC Lens. It has also been revealed that the Rangers are discussing a new contract with the player’s injury situation in mind, which has sparked a lot of interest in South America. “We are talking with Lens about what the situation is because in this situation it is a different situation from when he was fit,” Clement stated. “While he was fit, he was doing the right things, but it was only for a brief time. Then it needs to be priced correctly.”
When asked if another loan deal was feasible, the Gers chief responded, “That is something to discuss. We’ll see what happens in the talks with Lens. “I can’t say right now.” This prompted a leading ESPN journalist in South America to say that Rangers were on the ‘right track’ to sign a new loan agreement with the ex-FC Millonarios forward. Lens spent roughly €4.5 million (£3.8 million) to buy the winger only last summer, and while things did not work out in France, the young Colombian is highly regarded. A new report from Colombian site Canal has provided an update on Rangers’ pursuit of Oscar Cortes, claiming that the Ibrox club might reach an agreement within days.
An excerpt from the report reads: “The Rangers board believes that the price for the player’s continued presence must be reasonable. “Thus, it is expected that in the coming days conversations will take place between both clubs to determine whether Cortes will remain at Rangers or return to France.” Another piece then suggested Oscar may be Rangers’ first signing of the summer: “The next few days will be critical in defining Oscar Cortes’ future and determining whether he will continue his career at Rangers or return to Lens in France.” “The player’s followers and fans of the Scottish team will be attentive to the news generated around this situation, which could have an outcome in the coming days.”
Loan Rangers will command significant fees. Oscar Cortes appeared to be on the rise after joining Rangers, and his injury was a significant setback. In truth, injuries have been a worn shackle on Rangers’ development this season and continue to impede the club as it enters the closing stretch. If Rangers are to bring Oscar Cortes to Ibrox, a cheap contract or a loan extension appear to be the only options that manager Philippe Clement and the club would pursue. Abdallah Sima and Fabio Silva’s futures must also be decided as the summer window approaches.
While Brighton appear eager to negotiate for the £6 million Senegalese attacker, Fabio Silva is set to return to Wolves. If both Cortes and Sima end up in Glasgow next season, they must be more consistent if the club is to genuinely compete at the top of the Premier League. Especially given the various price tags linked to both players.
