Even though the season isn’t even halfway over, the Jose Cordoba scenario is already threatening to become the first Rangers transfer saga of the window.
This summer is looking to be a monumental one in the history of both Old Firm clubs as Rangers try to recover from their setback and prepare for Celtic’s attack on their all-time trophy record.
The manager of Rangers, Philippe Clement, has publicly appealed to the Ibrox board for financial support in the coming months, claiming that the Gers will need “quite a rebuild.”
One name that seems to fit the progressive Rangers player trading strategy that Nils Koppen is in charge of putting into practice is Jose Cordoba.
Rangers have consistently been mentioned as front-runners in a reported £2.5 million move for the Levski Sofia center-back because he is young, talented, and has everything going for him.
However, the most recent information from the player’s home country of Panama indicates that things regarding the defender and a possible transfer to Ibrox may not be quite as clear-cut as they first appear.
Indeed, if rumors are true, the Ibrox side’s early transfer activity may be disrupted by a well-known Rangers player.
Van Bronckhorst to Besiktas?
Giovanni van Bronckhorst left the Rangers in November of 2022, and he is currently unemployed.
It’s not for lack of offers, either.
The highly regarded former player for Barcelona, Rangers, and Arsenal has been vocal about declining Besiktas’ approach at the beginning of the season.
The famed Portuguese manager Fernando Santos was chosen by the Turks instead, but the veteran manager was fired after three months, and they are now starting again.
Only last month, reports in the Glasgow Times stated that the Europa League Finalist Giovanni van Bronckhorst is once again the objective of the Istanbul club.
The Dutch coach, who was upfront about the approach back in January, may still need to be persuaded.
Van Bronckhorst remarked, “When a club expresses interest, you have to look into everything—the players, of course, and the club’s position.”
Finally, you are presented with a complete image of a club from which you can decide whether or not to join. In my situation, it was the latter.
“I don’t want to join a club, and I don’t think this is the right time to do so either.
“I am very happy with how life is now, although if there is a nice club, I always want to listen to what they have to say.”
Perhaps a serious transfer budget could convince the Dutchman and with the Turks still on the hunt for a new boss, that’s where Rangers and Jose Cordoba come in.
Rangers ‘one of three’ tailing Cordoba
Speaking on El Marcador TV, the journalist who first got everyone talking about Rangers and Jose Cordoba has provided an update on the situation.
Jose Miguel Dominguez, who calls himself Chepe Bomba, has provided an update on the Rangers pursuit of the defender.
Claiming that Rangers and Besiktas are one of two clubs interested in the centre-back, Dominguez claims that Levski Sofia are holding out for the best possible offer for the defender.
“Jose ‘Coto’ Cordoba, many ask, ‘have I signed yet?’” Dominguez said. “Rangers goes or doesn’t go, (there is also) Besiktas, the reality is that there are two or three clubs interested.
“Rangers or Besiktas of the Turkish Super Lig (are two of the clubs). Everything is in the hands of Levski (Sofia) who are holding out for the best possible offer.
“(They will) analyse, study and see what is best for the team economically.”
Dominguez then urged Cordoba to make the move to Ibrox: “If you ask Chepe Bomba, I would say go to Scotland, go to the United Kingdom, play (in) Glasgow and compete or try to reach the UEFA Champions League!”
Rangers ready transfer battle
Rangers seem to be among the front-runners in the race to sign Jose Cordoba this summer.
The defender is reportedly in “advanced talks” about a move to Ibrox, according to reports in Scotland, and his social media behavior has drawn criticism.
It’s reported that the defender, who looked to be observing a key member of the Rangers scouting staff, received the Ibrox treatment during the team’s post-split triumph over Kilmarnock.
Evidently, Córdoba enjoys respect in his own Panama as well.
As speculation over his future intensifies, a local newspaper questioned the Rangers’ decision, stating that the player’s camp sounds too hip to relocate to Ibrox.
In any event, this is a situation that isn’t going away, and if Giovanni van Bronckhorst decides to transfer to Besiktas, imagine the impact on the books when he challenges Rangers for a signature.
