Rangers failed in their attempt to sign Fluminense left-back Jefte before the transfer window closed, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Brazilian is currently on loan with APOEL Nicosia until the end of the season but the Cypriot side refused to cut his loan short.
While the Gers are still thought to have a verbal agreement in order to reactivate a move at the end of the season, fans on X are not particularly pleased with how this has been handled:
This is a little disappointing. Yilmaz sure must stay at the club now, at least until the summer.
— ibroxinsider (@theibroxinsider) January 31, 2024
Not too bothered he’s not getting before yilmaz so summer is fine
— garycooper (@gregmcb74539558) January 31, 2024
I assume he’s told us I will come to rangers in the summer but let me stay here so I can get first team experience with Apoel
— Jack Paton (@JackPaton98) January 31, 2024
"A verbal pact" with a Greek and a Brazilian…..what could possibly go wrong?🤯
— CoopNo11 (@Coop19752) January 31, 2024
Stick with Yilmaz and Barisic for now, Borna can leave in the summer and Yilmaz and him fight it out for the starting slot. Crazy to let Yilmaz go when he is now appearing settled and producing.
— Michael (@Ml19dy76) February 1, 2024
No issues with it, means we can keep Yilmaz and he’ll be the replacement for Barisic in the summer.
— Lèe (@Leeewright) January 31, 2024
No big deal with the position covered
— Daunan (@Daunan665634) January 31, 2024
The transfer always looked unrealistic
It should be pointed out that APOEL were under no obligation to break their loan agreement. In fact, they even had an option to sign Jefte on a permanent basis this summer.
Therefore, Rangers’ attempt to try and secure his services before the transfer deadline always looked doomed to fail.
Jefte could replace an outgoing Rangers player
There are still doubts over the futures of both Borna Barisic and Ridvan Yilmaz. While the former’s contract is set to expire in June, the latter has been heavily linked with a move back to Turkey.
If one of these two leaves, it seems like the Gers already have their replacement lined up in Jefte. The 20-year-old has had a decent season in Cyprus, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists in 18 league appearances.