RC Lens have reportedly named the transfer fee needed for Rangers to sign winger Oscar Cortes permanently this summer.
The 20-year-old Colombian winger was recruited by Ibrox manager Philippe Clement in January from the the French side on loan until the end of the season.
And he got off to a promising start in Glasgow by racking up three goal contributions in his first seven games for the Light Blues, as per Transfermarkt.
However, an unfortunate hamstring injury was picked up in the Scottish Premiership victory over Kilmarnock in March and that brought his season to a premature end.
But his setback hasn’t put Rangers off from striking a potential permanent deal this summer. In early May, Clement confirmed talks were taking place between RC Lens and Gers over Cortes’ future.
The Belgian did hint though that a deal would only be done if a reduced fee was agreed due to the winger’s lengthy injury.
Cortes then confirmed to Colombian reporter Pipe Sierra that his representatives are indeed locked in talks with both clubs over what the future holds for him.
Cortes – who Rangers have the option to buy – has meanwhile remained at the Rangers Training Centre to continue his rehabilitation, which in itself could be a sign he is set to stay at Ibrox.
But how much exactly would be needed if Rangers were to exercise the option to buy clause in the loan contract?
Oscar Cortes Rangers transfer fee set
The Rangers Review’s senior writer Chris Jack has provided that information. He is reporting that the Ibrox giants would need to pay ‘around £4m’ for Oscar Cortes.
It means RC Lens are looking to recoup the exact fee they paid for Cortes when he was brought to Europe from South America in the summer of 2023.
Cortes was signed by the Ligue 1 side with high expectations but his time there did not work out and after six months, he moved to Glasgow on loan.
Now, Rangers must make a decision over a permanent Cortes transfer and whether stumping up £4m is justified for a player who has been crocked for the past two-and-a-half months.
What Cortes said about injury and Rangers negotiations
As mentioned, Cortes spoke to the media in Colombia recently about his injury recovery and the talks his agents are having between Rangers and RC Lens.
He revealed: “I’m doing well now, after everything that has happened. There were obviously difficult times but I think that with the help of all the people I have around me they helped me a lot, and they have helped me to be calm in my head as well.
“I arrived and started to do things very well and well unfortunately the injury came and I had to stop for three months but I thank God I am already in the recovery process.
“Me and my agents are keeping tabs on the negotiations that are taking place. We will see what happens. I’m talking to my agents and also to Lens and Rangers. Let’s see what happens. I am waiting.”
