Confirmed: Int'l reveals explanation for last-minute Rangers summer transfer collapse

Rangers failed to secure a summer transfer for defender Jose Cordoba because of his dream to play in the English Premier League, he has revealed.

The Panamanian defender was “one step away” from joining the Light Blues during the transfer window as Philippe Clement moved early for a prime target [Jose Manuel Dominguez, 28 May] but they dramatically pulled out of a deal at the last minute [Chris Jack, 29 May].

Cordoba then joined Norwich City south of the border and says he consulted his mother and his wife but prioritised an English move in the hopes of making it to the top flight.

He said, via the Scottish Sun (1 October): “It was because my dream is to play in the Premier League. And second, because I first think about my family and then me, so I spoke with my mum and my wife and the decision was quick.

“I’m the boss! But what I do always is I ask [my mum] and the people around me and then I make my own decision, always.

“There was also interest from one club in Italy but the thing is that I like English football and I always decide to play in the UK if I have the chance.

“Then it was a quick decision for me, not so quick, but you have this feeling that you must be there.”

Jose Cordoba joined Norwich City over Rangers

Missing out on Cordoba at the start of the window was the start of a frustrating pattern for Clement and Rangers as various targets headed elsewhere and the deadline came with the much-expected overhaul left half finished.

His new teammate, Norwich captain Kenny McLean, was another who was seemingly closing in on a switch to Ibrox [Jonny McFarlane, 1 July] but never arrived, as the manager struggled to secure experienced signings while he waited to offload senior options in Glasgow.

In the end the Belgian brought in Robin Propper from FC Twente after Connor Goldson’s exit to Aris Limassol, although the Dutchman has flattered to deceive so far in Scotland.

The Light Blues would largely accept they can’t compete with the riches and the glamour of the Premier League down south, but it is more of a disappointment to unable to triumph against teams from the second tier and the hope of a route to the top division.

It is yet another reason why the recent lack of obvious success in the transfer market at Ibrox is a problem, as it becomes all the harder for Clement and Nils Koppen to sell Rangers as a potential stepping stone to the Premier League.

In other Rangers news, the Light Blues have been told to get due diligence done on mooted foreign takeover interest.

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