The sheer speed of the deal that brought Clinton Nsiala to Rangers from AC Milan took just about everybody by surprise.
Rangers’ interest in the young French centre-back only emerged at the start of this week, Sacha Tavolieri breaking the news via his X account that a 20-year-old with ‘huge talent’ was on his way to Ibrox.
And, before you could say the word ‘coup’, there he was. Clinton Nsiala, front and centre on the official Rangers website, his arrival talked up by an excited Nils Koppen.
The contrast between that deal, and the one which brought Jefte Vital to Ibrox, could hardly have been any more different. While there were just days between the Nsiala rumours starting and an official announcement confirming his arrival, it took four months before Rangers supporters saw Jefte posing for photographs in that royal blue shirt.
Not that the Glasgow giants could really be blamed for that, of course.
Rangers finally sign Jefte after APOEL spell ends
Rangers agreed terms with Fluminense back in January. But, due to the terms of the arrangement which took him to APOEL Nicosia on loan for the season, the final call rested with the Cyprus-based outfit.
And, as the club’s head of communications now explains, APOEL had no intention of letting sich an integral member of their squad depart mid-season. Especially with a title on the line.
“In January, Zefte’s rights in relation to his loan belonged to APOEL,” Nektarios Petevinos tells Super Sport. “Since we had the right to (keep him), APOEL had to be compensated if it left.”
Jefte allegedly tried to force through his move to Rangers at the time, later apologising to the club and his team-mates. The Rio de Janeiro-born 20-year-old would not have to wait too much longer, however, finally putting pen to paper at Ibrox almost as soon as his loan spell came to an end and APOEL were confirmed as Cypriot league champions.
For Petevinos, the fact that APOEL were entrusted to hone Jefte’s talents in the first place is testament to the reputation they have created for themselves across the Atlantic, numerous South American prospects having enjoyed successful spells at the GSP Stadium.
Unfortunately, APOEL were never in any real position to retain Jefte’s services long-term. Rangers may have been left frustrated in the winter, but it was only a matter of time.
“We are in a phase where we have built a reputation in huge countries like Brazil, which we have been exploiting for the last six years as best as possible,” Petevinos adds.
“With Jefte, we had a competitive advantage, not a financial one. We could not sign him (permanently) and make a few million from a possible sale in the long run.”
A left-footed James Tavernier?
Jefte, who idolioses Real Madrid legend Marcelo and prides himself upon his ‘skill and creativity‘ in the final third, scored three goals and set up four more for APOEL. He is now likely to compete with Ridvan Yilmaz for a starting spot in Philippe Clement’s side, the experienced Borna Barisic leaving on a free transfer.
Yilmaz’s agent admitted a few days ago that there are currently no plans for his client to return to Turkey, despite rumours suggesting otherwise.
Jefte may be more of a direct Barisic replacement, however, with his pinpoint crossing and technical ability seeing him stand out in Cyprus. In fact, some are even suggesting that Rangers may have got themselves a left-footed answer to their free-scoring right-back James Tavernier.
“We played Apoel twice this season. Jefte has been what I’d consider a stand-out for them both times,” Ally Reynolds, a Scot who currently turns out for AE Zakakiou, tells the Scottish Sun. “I saw the interest from Rangers in January and I immediately texted my dad as we’re both massive Rangers fans.
“He asked what Jefte was like and I told him he was exactly the same as Tav but on the other side. He’s a very good attacking full-back. Offensively, he’s terrific. He bombs forward and can dribble past people, whip in crosses early or hit the byeline.
“In one of the games earlier in the season, against AEL, he scored a worldie — a cross from almost on the touchline that sailed in over the keeper’s head. But, I suppose a bit like Tav, there are maybe suspicions about him defensively.
“I’m not sure how he’d do in Scotland where it’s a bit more physical than Cyprus. But going forward, in a team like Rangers with lots of possession, he’d fit right in. If he went there and did well, I’m sure the fans would take to him quickly.”
