Rangers have signed Ecuador international Jose Cifuentes as Michael Beale continues to add to his squad ahead of their Premiership opener.
The 24-year-old midfielder joins from MLS side Los Angeles FC on a four-year-deal to become the side’s ninth summer signing.
Beale confirmed last month that Cifuentes had agreed a pre-contract agreement to join the Ibrox club at the end of the year but he will join ahead of the season getting underway.
Rangers play Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday in their first league game as they look to wrestle the Premiership title off of city-rivals Celtic with a new look team.
They will then take on Swiss side Servette in a Champions League qualifier with the first leg being played at Ibrox on Wednesday.
Progression in that tie will mean they reach the play-off round for the group stages.
Cifuentes, who has 16 international caps for the South American side, joins fellow new recruits including Danilo, Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers and Jack Butland into the ranks for the coming campaign.
He started his career with Universidad Catolica in his native Ecuador and also played for America De Quito before making his move to the States.
He was also part of the Ecuador squad in the Qatar World Cup last year.
He said: “I’m very excited to be here, I think this club is amazing.
“When I spoke to Michael Beale, he told me about the project, what he wants here for the club, and he told me what he wants from me here so that’s why I joined. I love his project and his vision for football.”
Beale commented: “Jose is a player we have followed for a long time. I was originally aware of him when he broke through in Ecuador and I have followed him on his journey with LAFC in the MLS.
“He is a midfielder who can play in a variety of roles, both as a box-to-box player and in a more defensive role. He has excelled in the MLS and for his national team.
“When I returned to Rangers, he was a name that was immediately discussed and one that we knew we would have a lot of competition to overcome if we were to sign him. When meeting to discuss the move, it was clear that we are aligned in our thinking and on his further development.
“I am delighted we have Jose here at Rangers and I must thank everyone involved in the process of making this transfer a reality.”
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