When reports emerged claiming that Rangers had entered talks to sign a player recently named the best in the league in his position, you might have expected the reaction at the Ibrox-bound star’s current club to be one of trepidation.
Fear, even.
An atmosphere of concern surrounding a club who rank as the second-most successful in the nation’s history – 26 titles to their name – but have fallen on hard times both on and off the pitch in recent times.
Levski Sofia, despite the best efforts of Rangers target Jose Cordoba, are a colossal 21 points adrift of Ludogorets at the top of the table.
But Levski legend Petar Petrov, taking the glass half full approach, can see the positives in cashing in on the man crowned the Defender of the Year in Bulgaria’s top flight. Rangers, according to reports, arein ‘advanced’ talks over a deal to bring Cordoba to Glasgow for a cool £3.2 million.
Rangers in advanced talks to sign Jose Cordoba
Cashing in, Petrov says, makes sense from a financial perspective. Levski Sofia have had to balance underwhelming performances on the pitch with some high-profile monetary issues of it, as laid out by Inside World Football.
From a sporting perspective, too, letting the Panama international go may be the right call. Petrov believes that Cordoba, despite his Defender of the Year tag, has fallen short of his usual lofty standards after a couple of injury-enforced absences.
Cordoba was at the heart of the Levski backline which conceded three to CSKA Sofia and five to Ludogorets since the beginning of April.
“Unfortunately, we are witnessing a ‘year zero’ for Levski,” Petrov tells Mach Telegraf. “The good thing is that the debts are being paid off. But, from a sporting and technical point of view, things are not good. Whoever comes to coach Levski, it is clear that without (quality) football players things will not work out.
“At Levski, players must be above a certain level. Not just good, but very good! To get things done, we shouldn’t rely on mid-rate footballers.
“Cordoba, after returning from injury, is not at the familiar high level. If they can sell him, they should.”
It appears that they will, too.
£3.2m Ibrox move edging closer
Rangers, looking to add more depth to a backline which has suffered injuries to Ben Davies, Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun during different times this campaign, are reportedly closing in after Cordoba was left out of Levski’s most recent outing.
Ratkov’s every cloud view is not one shared by all, however.
John Inglis, the former Aberdeen and St Johnstone player who now works as an agent, told the Scottish Sun this week how Cordoba’s Levski Sofia team-mate Andrian Kraev feels about the defender’s departure, and it appears there will be a few sad faces in the Vivacom Arena dressing room.
“I’ve spoken with Andrian about Cordoba,” Inglis explains. “And he’s said not only is he probably the best defender in Bulgaria, (but) a top pro and player. He’s also a great guy.
“They are big compliments from Andrian. And he is confident Cordoba would do well for Rangers or any other club if he is to leave Levski.”
Rangers are reportedly closing in on Orlando Pirates starletRele Mofokeng too, the youngster likened to Barcelona great Andres Iniesta, and are expected to pursue Fluminense’s APOEL Nicosia loanee Jefte Vital again after missing out in January.
