Rangers ‘complete deal’ for new signing as Celtic ‘make enquiry’ for international left-back.
According to sources, Rangers is about to finalize the signing of Brazilian defender Jefte.
The Ibrox team first made a January move for the Fluminese left-back, who has spent the season on loan at APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus. However, the agreement broke down after Rangers couldn’t come to an agreement with APOEL Nicosia, who had the option to purchase him in June, over compensation for Rangers to cancel his loan from his parent club in Brazil.
According to sources, Jefte will be unveiled as the Glasgow club’s first summer acquisition. A verbal agreement was made for Rangers to reactivate the option to sign the player during the summer transfer window, and Philippe Clement now looks set to get his man.
The following news was provided on X by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano: “Rangers are set to finalize agreement to sign Brazilian LB Jefte, confirmed and here we go! Recognize that Jefte is en route to finish his medical examinations and sign his contract to become a new member of the Rangers. The Scottish side readyed everything for the summer window, as was disclosed in January.
Rangers see left-back as a top priority this summer, since Borna Barisic is poised to leave after his contract expires and Ridvan Yilmaz’s future is still up in the air due to Turkish clubs eager to send the player back to his own country.
Irakli Azarovi, a Georgian international, has been linked to Celtic as they consider left-back options. Despite having only joined Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer, the 22-year-old has already drawn attention from around Europe following an outstanding debut year in which he helped the Ukrainian team win both the league and the cup.
The Scottish champions, as well as teams from Serie A and Ligue 1, are reportedly interested in Azarovi, according to Georgian site Geo Team. The defender has 18 caps and five goals for his nation, however he was not chosen for the 2024 European Championship.
Since Alexandro Bernabei agreed to a long-term loan with Brazilian side Internacional, Greg Taylor is the only recognized first-team player in the left-back position. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is anticipated to add a left-back this summer.
