Since the season began, Rangers have been operating at full throttle, with Philippe Clement having little time to catch his breath. With his attention firmly on match preparations and training, the responsibility of handling transfer business has fallen to Nils Koppen.
Although Clement has been preoccupied with the crucial task of securing Champions League qualification, transfer rumors continue to swirl. A new name has recently surfaced as a potential target for Rangers in a position that has historically been challenging for the team. According to Africafoot, Mahamadou Diarra is now being linked with a move to the club.
Rangers in talks for Mahamadou Diarra transfer
The young talent from WSG Tirol is highly regarded and has already earned caps for Mali at the Under-23 level following an impressive breakout season in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Mahamadou Diarra, a physically imposing striker, made a solid contribution by scoring four goals and providing one assist in 23 appearances, 17 of which he started, as he adjusted to the demands of European football.
Reports suggest that a transfer fee is under consideration, with negotiations already underway. Africafoot reports that recent discussions between Diarra’s agent and Glasgow Rangers scouts have focused on the details of his potential contract, including playing time, the club’s long-term project, and the transfer bonus. According to the same source, Rangers are reluctant to pay more than 2 million euros for the striker.
Currently, Philippe Clement has three forwards available, with Danilo fit enough to be included in matchday squads and Hamza Igamane nearing full fitness. It’s been some time since a Rangers manager has had the luxury of three strikers at his disposal.
Jose Cifuentes transfer could fund Rangers signing of Diarra
The potential departure of Jose Cifuentes could provide the funds needed for a new signing. There has been considerable speculation about the transfer fee, but it has now been clarified that Aris Thessaloniki has secured an option to buy Cifuentes, rather than an obligation to buy, as was initially reported.
Rangers FC announced that Jose Cifuentes has joined Aris Thessaloniki on a season-long loan, which includes an option to buy. Cifuentes was highly regarded by former Rangers manager Michael Beale, who expressed excitement when the midfielder was signed. Beale had described Cifuentes as a versatile midfielder capable of playing both box-to-box and in a defensive role, noting his success in MLS and for his national team.
Interestingly, Cifuentes’ former coach at LAFC saw him more as an attack-minded midfielder, even comparing him to a number 10. However, during his early appearances for Rangers, the Ecuador international appeared uncomfortable, raising concerns about his fit within the team. There is hope that his loan move to Greece will be more successful than his previous stint in Brazil.
The move to Aris Thessaloniki follows the end of Cifuentes’ loan spell with Cruzeiro. Rangers have extended their best wishes to him as he continues his career in Greece.