£4.5m Rangers misfit in Ibrox exit declaration as he laps up 'best' transfer decision after enjoying career upturn
The Colombian winger was shipped out of Ibrox last summer after exploiting a FIFA loophole
Rangers outcast Oscar Cortes has described his Ibrox departure “the best thing I could have done” after enjoying a career resurgence since leaving Glasgow for a return to South America.
The 22-year-old winger was shipped out on loan to Spanish second-tier outfit Sporting Gijon last summer, just a few weeks after sealing his permanent switch to Ibrox from French side Lens for £4.5m.
However, the Colombian international struggled for regular game time with the Asturias-based club, making just 11 appearances during the first half of the campaign before Gijon decided to terminate their loan agreement with the Light Blues in January.
Cortes briefly returned to Auchenhowie to hold talks with new head coach Danny Rohl about his future, and was subsequently allowed to move back across the Atlantic after Argentine side Atlético Huracán swooped for his signature before the winter window closed.
How Oscar Cortes managed to exploit FIFA loophole to push through move
The transfer saw Rangers, Gijon and Huracán invoke a little known FIFA loophole to enable him to sign for a third club this term - article 5.3m to overcome regulations that do not allow players to represent more than two teams in the same season.
That ensured special exemption would permit Cortes to join another club whose fixture schedule runs at a different time to his current team, allowing the wide man to head for Argentina where leagues do not follow the traditional European format.
Speaking to AS Colombia, Cortes revealed that his original plan was to remain in Europe - but he actively pushed for a transfer back to South America when it became a serious option.
He stated: “My intention was to stay in Europe, but things weren't working out. When I found out that Huracán wanted me, it was a nice thing. I did everything I could to get to Huracán, I spoke with the manager, I made the decision, and it was the best thing I could have done. I'm much better than before.”
Does Oscar Cortes still have a future at Rangers?
As part of Cortes’ loan agreement, there is an option for Huracán to turn his move into a permanent stay at the end of this year. He ended a lengthy goal drought by scoring for the first time in more than TWO YEARS last month and has seemingly rediscovered his form.
Cortes arrived at Rangers on an initial 18-month loan in January 2024 and there was some excitement surrounding his acquisition. However, injuries have marred his time in Scotland, with hamstring, thigh, knee and muscle-related issues keeping him sidelined for significant periods of time.
And judging by his most recent TV interview, Cortes have given a clear indication that he is unlikely to play for Rangers again, despite having three more years left to run on his contract.
Taking to Instagram after finding the net in a 3-1 win over Belgrano in the Torneo Apetura, Cortes wrote: “Thank God for allowing me to score my first goal in this jersey, very proud of the whole team, we will continue to improve every day. Psalm 18:30 “God’s timing is perfect”.