Nottingham Forest
‘Rangers will sign him’ – Journalist predicts permanent move for ‘Terrific’ ace
Rangers will complete a permanent transfer for on-loan winger Oscar Cortes after a “terrific” start with the club, believes Jonny McFarlane.
The journalist said on the Rangers Review Morning Briefing on 14 February that he expects the Colombian to become a “right good player” at Ibrox and that the club would likely keep him in Scotland at the end of his temporary deal.
Cortes, 20, shone in his first Light Blues start in the 2-0 win against Ayr United in the Scottish Cup on 10 February, and is believed to have a long-term contract ready for him if the option in his loan agreement is indeed triggered.
McFarlane said (15m): “Cortes I thought was terrific the other night, he’s been really good since he signed. I know he’s only had about 120 minutes, it’s not an awful lot to make a full judgement but I really like his work-rate. I really like his determination to hit the byline.
“I think he’s going to be a right good player. I think Rangers will sign him.”
Cortes expected to make permanent Rangers move
On early evidence this is not a loan deal that the Gers are going to be left disappointed at the end of, as was the case with Malik Tillman and remains the threat with Abdallah Sima.
But with Philippe Clement apparently having identified Cortes as a major part of the contingency plan without the Brighton loanee available he has got off to a strong start.
It may be early days after two substitute outings in the SPFL and a lone start against lower league opposition in the cup, but three wins and a first assist at the weekend while looking like a definite asset in attack has raised expectations quickly.
He will of course need to build on that over the rest of the season but unless his start to life at Ibrox proves to be a complete false dawn it seems likely that he will remain part of the Clement side long-term.
