Rangers started the summer transfer window like a train, targeting a never ending list of South American’s and prodigious talents.
The most exciting name mentioned was Penarol’s Damian Garcia, who narrowly missed out on a place with Uruguay at the Copa America.
The 20-year old midfield enforcer starred in his country’s Under-20 World Cup win in 2023 and his agent has given an update as Rangers circle and his contract enters its final months.
Rangers given Damian Garcia nod with contract update
It is, probably, the most important area of the park for Philippe Clement.
John Lundstram and Ryan Jack have been released with only Connor Barron arriving so far.
A real number six is badly needed to protect the defence and to build attacks, with Garcia one of the most promising youngsters around.
Penarol’s manager had claimed that a new contract had been signed with Garcia now free to speak to clubs about possible Bosman moves, however, his agent has contradicted this suggestion.
Garcia’s agent Edgardo Lasalvia told Fuera de Juengo:
“The player (Damián García) has a contract with Peñarol until December of this year, although we have started several conversations, we have not yet finalized the signing.
“I have no doubt that we are going to agree, but with the transfer period started, signing a contract without a clause, which is what is hindering our signing a little today, we are not going to do it.
“We are working hard on him, always trying to get him to stay to play in the Copa Libertadores with Peñarol.”
Contract hurdle could open the door for Rangers
The clause that Lasalvia and Garcia are looking for must be a release clause of some sort.
Whether this is for a specific fee or to specific clubs remains to be seen but what it does is leave the window open if Rangers are still interested.
Players like Garcia and in his situation don’t grow on trees and Nils Koppen is already reported to have held talks to assess whether or not a move to Rangers is possible.
His current contract also makes him a lot more affordable than if he was to extend his deal.
It is players like Garcia and Oscar Cortes who have shown on the world stage at youth level that should form a key part of Rangers player trading model going forwards.
If there is a glimmer of hope that Koppen can negotiate a deal then it could be the singing of the summer.
