The forgotten man: Can Rangers’ midfield revival begin this summer?

Rangers are set for a huge rebuild following this summer's takeover, new footballing structure and the appointment of Russell Martin as head coach. New signings are expected by the barrel load and dead wood likely to be shifted as we look to trim the fat of a squad bloated with failed remnants of previous managerial regimes.

Kieran Dowell, Ben Davies, Rabbi Matondo are all back from loan spells ahead of preseason training, but all are expected to depart again, this time permanently.

But one player who may be set for an Ibrox revival is Jose Cifuentes, the 26-year-old Ecuadorian has spent the last 18-months away from Ibrox on loan spells to Cruzeiro in Brazil and Aris Thessaloniki of Greece, but the latter have missed their deadline to sign the former LAFC midfielder permanently.

An excitable signing during the Michael Beale era, it just never clicked for Cifuentes during his 6-month stint at Ibrox before initially departing on loan, injuries, rotation and an apparent dislike for the Scottish weather seen him quickly exit once Phillipe Clement took over at Ibrox but a couple years older and wiser, and now knowing what to expect, is there hope for an Ibrox revival for the £1.2m man?

With Nico Raskin and Mohammed Diomande both linked with departures from Ibrox there could be space for cover in Martin’s midfield this upcoming season.

Last season Cifuentes with good if not spectacular in Greece, with his loan side wanting to bring him in permanently but could not muster up funds Rangers see fit for the sale of the 26-times capped midfield man.

A full breakdown is available from Kai Watson on X on his performances last year:

Cifuentes’ time away from Ibrox has allowed him to develop in different footballing environments, the physicality of the Brazilian league and the tactical demands of the Greek Super League.

Both stints will have added layers to his game that were perhaps lacking during his initial Rangers spell. He’s more composed on the ball now, better at reading the game, and has shown glimpses of the industrious box-to-box midfielder Rangers hoped for when they first signed him.

Russell Martin’s approach to midfield is built on versatility and work rate, with an emphasis on players who can link defence and attack seamlessly.

If Cifuentes can demonstrate that blend of energy, intelligence, and ball control in preseason, he could well find a place in the revamped squad. The Ecuadorian’s technical ability offers something different compared to the more physical profiles currently at the club.

Of course, this potential revival hinges on Cifuentes’ fitness and consistency, both of which have been problematic in the past. Rangers will want assurances that he can stay injury-free and perform week in, week out in a league that demands high levels of intensity and resilience.

But given the current midfield landscape, where departures seem likely and depth is required, the club may prefer to give Cifuentes one last chance rather than rushing into the transfer market.

Meanwhile, Martin’s new regime will be keen to stamp its identity quickly, blending fresh signings with players ready to embrace the challenge. If Cifuentes can rise to that challenge, he could become one of the summer’s unexpected success stories at Ibrox.

A narrative of redemption and adaptation that fits perfectly with the club’s wider reset, and one that could benefit our player-trading model.

The next few weeks will be crucial. Preseason performances will dictate whether the Ecuadorian’s Rangers career is truly back on track, or if he becomes another casualty of a summer clear-out.

Either way, Cifuentes’ situation encapsulates the broader overhaul underway at Rangers,  a club determined to build a younger, leaner, fitter, and more focused squad capable of competing at the highest level once more.