Jefté Vital da Silva Dias was born on 21st December, 2003 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He joined the youth setup at Fluminense from Tigres do Brazil in 2017.
Over the next six years, he represented the club at U-17 and U-20 levels but failed to break into the first team squad. However, he spent last season on loan at APOEL, where he contributed three goals and four assists in 31 appearances, and helped the Nicosia-based club win the Cypriot First Division.
Impressed by his performances in Cyprus, Rangers FC signed him from parent club Fluminense on a four-year contract until 2028.
“I am incredibly excited to join Rangers, this is a fantastic opportunity for me to take my career to the next level with such a historic and successful club,” said Jefté upon signing for the club. “I am already looking forward to meeting my new teammates, working with the coaching staff, and continuing to learn and develop my game as a Rangers player.”
Jefté joins Ridvan Yilmaz and Robbie Fraser on the left side of defense for the Light Blues as the club continues to try and build a title-winning squad.
Manager Philippe Clement said: “Jefté is an exciting young defender, and I am delighted that he has joined our squad so early in the summer period. He has already shown he is a player of great quality and potential and I am confident he can play a big part in our squad moving forward - I look forward to working with him in the months to come.”
Nils Koppen, Director of Recruitment, said: “Firstly, I would like to welcome Jefté to the club, he is a player we have been interested in for a number of months and it is fantastic to have him join the club. We are planning for the future, and young talented players, like Jefté, will be crucial in that.
“We are working hard behind the scenes, and it is hugely positive for us, and for Philippe and his coaching staff, that we have been able to begin business early as we prepare for the 2024/25 season.”