The Jose Cordoba situation is already shaping up to be the first Rangers transfer saga of the window – and the final whistle hasn’t even been blown on this season.
As Rangers lick their wounds and brace themselves for Celtic’s assault on their all-time trophy record, this summer is shaping up to be a huge one in the legacy of both Old Firm clubs.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has claimed that the Gers face ‘quite a rebuild’ and has publicly appealed to the Ibrox board for financial backing in the months ahead.
Jose Cordoba is one name that appears to fit the progressive Rangers player trading model which Nils Koppen is in charge of implementing.
Young, talented and with everything in front of him, Rangers have been regularly named as frontrunners in a reported £2.5m move for the Levski Sofia centre-back.
But the latest news coming out of the player’s native Panama suggests that things aren’t quite so cut and dry when it comes to the defender and a potential move to Ibrox.
In fact, if reports come to fruition one familiar Rangers face could be set to interrupt the Ibrox side’s early transfer business.
Van Bronckhorst to Besiktas?
Giovanni van Bronckhorst is still out of work ever since leaving Rangers in the November of 2022.
But that’s not for the lack of offers.
The former Rangers, Arsenal and Barcelona star remains highly thought-of and has been open about turning down an approach from Besiktas at the turn of the year.
With the Turks instead opting for legendary Portuguese boss Fernando Santos, the veteran manager was sacked within three months and now they’re back to the drawing board.
Reports in the Glasgow Times only last month suggested that a move for Giovanni van Bronckhorst is back on the cards, with the Europa League Finalist the Istanbul club’s ’number one target’.
It might yet take some convincing the Dutch coach, who was candid about the approach back in January.
“When a club is interested you have to delve into everything – the state of the club, their position and the players of course,” said Van Bronckhorst.
“And ultimately, you arrive at a total picture of a club where you get the feeling that you want to get involved in or not. The latter was the case with me.
“For me, it was not the time to join and I am not looking for a club 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
It certainly appears that Rangers are one of the frontrunners looking to sign Jose Cordoba this summer.
Reports in Scotland have suggested the defender is in ‘advanced talks’ over an Ibrox move whilst the player’s social media activity has raised eyebrows.
Appearing to follow an important figure in the Rangers scouting team, it’s said the defender was also given the Ibrox treatment in the post-split victory over Kilmarnock.
Córdoba is clearly well thought of in his home country of Panama too.
As the discussion ramps up over his future, one local journalist cast doubts on the Rangers move by suggesting the sounds from the player’s camp are all too cool regarding a switch to Ibrox.
Whatever the case, this one isn’t going away and what a turn up for the books it would be to see Giovanni van Bronckhorst rivalling Rangers for a signature should the Dutchman move to Besiktas.
