Every transfer window there is a saga and despite the window not being fully open, it would appear that Rangers move for Jose Cordoba is going to be this year’s.
The 22-year old Panama international was said to be close to moving to Ibrox and had even been wined and dined, however, a late move from Norwich City saw the plug pulled on the deal.
There has been another twist though with the news that there has not been any other formal offers and that Levski Sofia’s stance could be the reason why Jose Cordoba is not yet a Rangers player.
Rangers given Jose Cordoba hope as Levski Sofia move goalposts
Standard practice in any transfer for a player under contract would involve the two clubs speaking to each other to agree a fee or discuss a ballpark figure with the finer details arranged later.
On this occasion, it would appear that the Bulgarians have gone rogue.
According to gong.bg, one of Bulgaria’s biggest sports media sites, a Levski Sofia spokesperson has told them that Jose Cordoba’s fee could rise from the £2.5m current valuation to something closer to £3.5m:
“We are sure that Jose’s participation in the Copa America tournament will raise his price.
“There he will be on a huge showcase, where he will be watched from all corners of the world.”
It is any club’s right to sell their key players for top dollar and Levski obviously feels that now would not be the optimal time to sell.
So why entertain negotiations with Rangers and let the player travel to Glasgow?
Will Rangers move onto other targets after Cordoba near miss
A deal said to value £3.2m had been reported with a £2m upfront fee and it may be that they are now wanting more than this or a bigger percentage paid initially.
If the goalposts have moved this much, it’s easy to see why Rangers walked away.
What this delay could do is see Rangers without a new centre-half when pre-season training kicks off again, depending on how far Panama go in the Copa America.
Thomas Galdames has already been linked, called up by Chile, he is capable of playing either as a centre-half or at left-back so could easily replace Cordoba if that is the thinking.
The 25-year old is reportedly close to finalising a move to Europe with Rangers named as a possible destination.
Rangers could yet return for Cordoba depending on how the window pays out, however, on this occasion, they have done the right thing by not pandering to Levski Sofia.
