20-year-old returns to title-chasing lineup as Rangers have ‘verbal pact’ for summer signing

20-year-old returns to title-chasing lineup as Rangers have ‘verbal pact’ for summer signing

APOEL’s starting lineup has reverted to Jefte, a Rangers target, despite persistent rumors of a summer transfer to Ibrox.

With so many names connected, Rangers appeared set to sign a left back in January.

But, Ridvan Yilmaz stayed put, and Rangers were ultimately unsuccessful in signing

a left back since Borna Barisic’s contract was left unsigned.

Jefte, an APOEL prospect on loan from Fluminense, was the big name in the last days of the window.

Considering that Jefte had absconded from APOEL training, a contract to sign him seemed imminent,

but he chose not to come to Glasgow.

Jefte back in APOEL starting XI

Despite APOEL’s frustration with the scenario, Jefte did ultimately return to Cyprus to complete the remainder of his loan term.

After the transfer deadline had passed, Jefte played a 10-minute cameo against AEK Larnaca after missing matches against Nea

Salamis and Karmiotissa.

The Brazilian had to fight for his starting position once more, but he performed well enough

to return to the starting lineup on Sunday against AEL Limassol.

Jefte participated for the entire ninety minutes in a 1-1 draw that saw APOEL fall to Aris Limassol for first place on goal differential.

APOEL needs to resume their title campaign after two consecutive draws, and attacking left back Jefte is expected to have a significant impact.

There were worries that Jefte’s disappearing act would have made the second half of the season harder for him,

but his Sunday return

to the starting lineup signals that he is back on the right track, and the Rangers will be closely monitoring him.

Rangers could still sign Jefte this summer

Though Jefte didn’t arrive in January, the Rangers might still host him in the summer at Ibrox.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Rangers and Fluminense have a “verbal pact” for Jefte’s summer signing, and the deal “may really happen in June.”

Jefte starting Sunday’s tie was a good step, as Rangers wouldn’t have wanted to see him frozen out of the APOEL team.

With three goals and four assists in 20 league appearances this season, the 20-year-old has demonstrated true offensive ability.

Jefte might win the league in Cyprus this summer before joining Rangers, but the deal needs to close if he keeps up his current level of play in the upcoming months.

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