Rangers have announced the signing of Brazilian left-back Jefte on a four-year deal, subject to international clearance and a successful work permit application.
The 20-year-old moves to Ibrox from Fluminense having spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Cypriot First Division champions APOEL.
Jetfe enjoyed a successful campaign with APOEL and made 33 first-team appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
Rangers attempted to lure Jefte to Glasgow in January, but a transfer ultimately failed to materialise as an agreement could not be reached between themselves, Fluminense and APOEL.
However, Rangers have now got the deal over the line and the youngster will officially join the club on June 1, with the Gers understood to have agreed to pay an initial £2m plus potential add-ons.
🇧🇷 Welcome to #RangersFC, Jefté. pic.twitter.com/2w1nfIlYEz
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 24, 2024
Clement welcomes "exciting young defender" Jefte
Speaking to Rangers' official website about his move to Ibrox, Jefte said: "I am incredibly excited to join Rangers, this is a fantastic opportunity for me to take my career to the next level with such a historic and successful club.
"I am already looking forward to meeting my new teammates, working with the coaching staff, and continuing to learn and develop my game as a Rangers player."
Manager Philippe Clement added: "Jefte is an exciting young defender, and I am delighted that he has joined our squad so early in the summer period.
"He has already shown he is a player of great quality and potential and I am confident he can play a big part in our squad moving forward - I look forward to working with him in the months to come."
Nils Koppen, director of football recruitment, commented: "Firstly, I would like to welcome Jefte to the club, he is a player we have been interested in for a number of months and it is fantastic to have him join the club. We are planning for the future, and young talented players, like Jefte, will be crucial in that.
"We are working hard behind the scenes, and it is hugely positive for us, and for Philippe and his coaching staff, that we have been able to begin business early as we prepare for the 2024-25 season."
It's Official. pic.twitter.com/8aIvfgiLoD
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 24, 2024
Jefte departs Fluminense having failed to make a single senior appearance for the Brazilian giants, although he did feature 25 times for the club's Under-20s side.
The youngster's arrival at Rangers comes at a time when the future of fellow left-back Borna Barisic remains uncertain - the Croatian will see his current contract expire on May 31.
Jefte will join Mohamed Diomande - who moved to Rangers on an initial loan deal in January – in making a permanent move to Ibrox ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The Rio de Janeiro-born defender is set to cheer on his new team when the Gers lock horns with Old Firm rival Celtic in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Oliver Thomas
