Rangers are on the verge of completing their third signing of the January transfer window, as they have agreed a deal with Lens for winger Oscar Cortes. The 20-year-old Colombian is expected to join the Ibrox club on loan until the end of the season, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Cortes set to join Silva and Diomande at Rangers
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has been busy in the transfer market, as he looks to strengthen his squad for the second half of the season. The Belgian boss has already secured the services of Wolves striker Fabio Silva and Nordsjaelland midfielder Mohamed Diomande, both on loan deals with options to buy.
Now, he is poised to add another exciting talent to his ranks, as he has beaten off competition from other clubs to land Cortes, who has impressed in France with Lens. The versatile attacker, who can play on either wing or as a number 10, has scored four goals and provided two assists in 10 appearances for the Ligue 1 side this season.
Cortes is also a Colombian international, having made his debut for the senior team in June last year. He was part of the Colombia Under-23 squad that was competing in the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament, but he was released from international duty on Monday to fly back to France and finalise his move to Rangers.
Cortes a potential replacement for Sima
Rangers have been looking for a winger to bolster their options, especially after losing Abdallah Sima to a long-term injury. The Czech star, who joined Rangers from Slavia Prague in the summer, suffered a knee ligament damage in December and is expected to be out for up to three months.
Cortes could fill the void left by Sima, as he offers pace, skill and creativity on the flanks. He is also capable of playing in different positions, which gives Clement more flexibility and variety in his tactics. Cortes is known for his dribbling ability, his vision and his finishing, as well as his work rate and attitude.
Cortes started his career with Millonarios in his native Colombia, where he scored seven goals and assisted five in 28 games. He earned a move to Lens in August last year, for a fee of around €4.5 million (£3.8 million). He has quickly adapted to the French league, and has attracted interest from other clubs, including Marseille and Lille.
However, Rangers have moved swiftly to secure his services, and are set to announce his arrival in the coming days. Cortes will join his new teammates in Glasgow, and will hope to make an immediate impact for the Scottish champions.
Rangers continue to dominate the Scottish Premiership
Rangers are currently top of the Scottish Premiership, with a 12-point lead over second-placed Celtic. They have won 20 of their 22 games, scoring 58 goals and conceding only 10. They have also qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League, where they will face Real Sociedad in the round of 32.
Clement has done a remarkable job since taking over from Steven Gerrard in November, as he has maintained the high standards and the winning mentality of his predecessor. He has also shown his ambition and vision in the transfer market, as he has brought in quality players who can improve the team and challenge for trophies.
Cortes is the latest addition to Clement’s squad, and he will be eager to prove himself in Scotland and help Rangers achieve their goals. He is a young and talented player, who has the potential to become a star for Rangers and Colombia in the future.
