Rangers player 'unlikely' to make Ibrox return despite promising loan spell as depth factor proves key
The Rangers was winger was signed for a seven-figure fee in the summer.
Rangers winger Oscar Cortes is ‘unlikely’ to have a long term future at Ibrox despite a resurgence in form during his Huracan loan spell, according to a transfer insider.
In a recent interview, the Colombian described his loan switch to the Argentinian top flight as ‘the best’ decision he ever made but claimed he still has ambitions to move back to Europe. Despite this, he doesn’t appear to be part of Danny Rohl’s plans.
Rangers recalled the 22-year old from an unsuccessful loan spell at Sporting Gijon earlier in the season before farming him out to Huracan in January, who will have an option to buy him in the summer. Cortes was on loan at Rangers for 18 months from Lens before the club were obliged to make his move permanent in July for £4.5m. His Ibrox career so far has been injury-plagued, making just 20 appearances in two years.
In the Primera Division, Cortes is starting to find his feet and recently bagged his first goal since February 2024 in Huracan’s 3-1 win over Belgrano. As his minutes improve back in South America, the winger could perhaps salvage his career in Glasgow, however transfer insider, Pete O’Rourke believes this is unlikely due to Rangers’ depth in this area.
Why is a Rangers return unlikely for Oscar Cortes?
He told Football Insider: “It’s unlikely that he will have a long-term future at Rangers. Rangers have moved on, they’ve brought in wingers since his departure. He went to Sporting Gijon in the first half of the season and it didn’t work out, but he has moved to Argentina with Huracan and he’s done quite well out there.
“They do have an option to buy him, and it does seem that Cortes would be interested in that move if it is possible. He’s under contract at Ibrox until 2029, but is one of those players that probably doesn’t figure in the long-term plans of Danny Rohl.”
Rangers currently have Djeidi Gassama, Oliver Antman and Nedim Bajrami as options out wide, with loanees Findlay Curtis and Ross McCausland also set to return in the summer. Rohl may also be tempted to pursue signing Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore given his rich vein of form. The Englishman will return to North London at the end of the season. With so many options on the flanks, Cortes may struggle to find a pathway back into the starting XI.
Cortes on ‘best decision’ to make Huracan switch
Having spent the last three years in Europe, Cortes originally had reservations about moving back to South America, however as he continues to turn his career around, he now believes he made the right call. He told AS Colombia: "My intention was to stay in Europe, even though 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."
Cortes’ only goal in a royal blue jersey came in a 5-0 thumping of Hearts at Ibrox under Philippe Clement. When fit, he had shown glimpses that his pace and power can hurt defences in Scotland, but his unfortunate injury record has hampered him getting a run in the team. Hamstring, thigh, knee and muscle-related issues have kept him sidelined for significant periods of time since arriving in Govan.