Rangers: Jefte absent from APOEL squad as Ibrox personal terms agreed, chief confirms ‘internal issue’

Jefte was left out of the APOEL squad on Friday night due to a “internal issue,” raising rumors that the Brazilian left-back was interested in joining Rangers.

Nektarios Petevinos, head of communication for APOEL, was compelled to provide an explanation for the 20-year-old’s absence as the Nicosia club defeated Nea Salamis 4-0 on the road in the Cypriot First Division.

Earlier on 27 January, Fabrizio Romano reported via X that Rangers had reached an agreement with Fluminense to sign Jefte, who is currently on loan at APOEL.

It was stated that the agreement was reached, and that APOEL only needed to approve the loan termination for Jefte.

Petevinos indicated that the left-back’s absence on Friday was not due to a fitness issue, but he did not confirm that any transfers were taking place.

Petevinos stated on Friday, January 27, that “with Jefte there is an internal issue that the team is handling, when there is something we will inform you,” according to APOEL Group.

“There is currently a discussion regarding [Kingsley] Sarfo, but I am unable to officially report anything at this time. Please be patient, and we will update you within the next 24 to 48 hours.”

As encouraging as any

The most likely reason for Jefte’s absence was that he was eliminated from the APOEL.

If Jefte’s loan isn’t cancelled until the final 48 hours of the transfer window, he may still be able to play for the Nicosia club when they play Karmiotissa on Tuesday, January 30.

However, everything seems to point to the Rangers pulling through with this agreement.

Romano reports that Jefte’s personal terms have been agreed with by Fluminense, the academy product that has produced Marcelo, Thiago Silva, Fabinho, Joao Pedro, and Luiz Henrique in recent years. Jefte appears to be keen on moving to Ibrox.

Prior to Romano’s Friday post, APOEL Group revealed that the Light Blues had extended an offer to APOEL, presumably in exchange for them ending the 20-year-old’s loan.

This deal might be completed in a few days if the offer is strong enough, and Jefte won’t have to miss out on another matchday squad in Cyprus.

In other Rangers news, there’s a new piece of information on the Gers’ attempt to finalize a desperate acquisition.