Thomas Galdames has confirmed that he’s angling for a flight out of Argentina amid transfer links to Rangers.
The Chileno defender, 25, currently plies his trade across the Patagonian mountain ranges at Mendozan Argentine Primera División club Godoy Cruz.
It’s been quite a big 18 months for Thomas Galdames in the north of Argentina too.
Since moving on from local club Union Española in Chile, the defender has established himself atEl Expreso, been named in the Argentine top flight’s Team of the Year, and been called up to the Chile national team for the first time.
Now the left-sided defender – who sees himself as a centre-back but who can also play left-back – is even in the preliminary La Roja squad for the forthcoming Copa America.
It’s been quite a rise for the 6ft defender and now Galdames himself has confirmed that a European adventure beckons.
Galdames confirms transfer exit
Rangers are one of a number of clubs who are said to be interested in Thomas Galdames.
Whilst the Gers are the name most prominently mentioned in the press, ‘clubs in Belgium’ have also been credited with an interest.
On what was reportedly Galdames’ last game for Godoy Cruz, the defender put in a stunning two-assist performance before Godoy manager Daniel Oldra lamented the imminent exit of a player who is ‘like a son’.
Rangers are heading for a busy transfer window fulls of ins, outs, and plenty of speculation.
And even if Thomas Galdames doesn’t mention the Ibrox side in his latest comments, amid the rampant speculation these soundbites will certainly get Rangers fans talking.
Revealing that everyone is in agreement, Galdames suggests that a transfer across the Atlantic is in the pipeline.
“I don’t know anything. I have a contract in Godoy Cruz until December and their idea and mine is that they sell me now,” said Galdames, as quoted by Chilean outlet Co-operativa.
“My agent is working on that, they are not issues that concern me and I can only focus on the games.
“I know that going to Europe and playing in a competitive league I would improve more than I would in South America.
“My career has been very progressive, particularly recently.
“Getting called up for the national team is proof of that.
“I hope something happens in June or July.”
Rangers brace for summer of change
Rangers are expected to be very busy in the transfer window with regards both incomings and outgoings.
Thomas Galdames represents a bolstering of the left-hand side of the defence with the Chilean’s versatility a welcome asset.
Rangers have already reinforced that side of the pitch through the signing of Brazilian left-back Jefte from Fluminense.
With fellow left-back Borna Barisic one of five first-team stars who’ve also left the club at the end of their contracts, big changes are in the offing both on the park and off it.
Philippe Clement has appealed for reinforcements in his backroom staff whilst new CEO James Bisgrove has been headhunted in cash-rich Saudi Arabia.
As for additions Rangers have been linked to several names but at the time of writing there do not appear to be any imminent breakthroughs.
Abdallah Sima and Oscar Cortes both remain permanent targets but reports over the weekend confirmed that Colombian winger Cortes could cost as much as £4m.
Sima, who cost Brighton £6m in 2021, would also fetch a not inconsiderable transfer fee.
Rangers have also been linked with Ferencvaros winger Adama Traore whilst Gers-linked South African wonderkid Relebohile Mofokeng has been making headlines in his homeland.
Links to the likes of Liam Kelly (Motherwell) and Albion Rrahmani (Rapid Bucharest) have gone a little quiet over the weekend.
The Gers’ pursuit of high-profile defensive target Jose Cordoba has also officially ended.
