Rangers plotting raid for Uruguay international who won U/20 World Cup amid ongoing contract dispute
The Penarol midfielder has been linked with a summer move after failing to agree a new deal with the Uruguayan club
Rangers transfer links to Penarol midfielder Damian Garcia have intensified after the manager of his current club Diego Aguirre questioned his “desire”.
The Ibrox side have been credited with an interest in the 20-year-old Uruguayan youth international, who currently plays in the top flight of his homeland but is approaching the final six months of his contract.
Garcia finds himself locked in an ongoing contract dispute with Penarol, who desperately want to retain the services of one of their most exciting talents until December. However, it’s understood the player is keen on a move to Europe in the near future after becoming a key figure of Aguirre’s first-team squad this season.
Described as one of the countries best homegrown talents at present, he's made 17 appearances so far this term but question marks over his future continue and it remains to be seen how many more games he'll play for the club as talks over a new deal stall.
Gers boss Philippe Clement is keeping a close eye on the South American market this summer, with the Belgian already securing the capture of full-back Jefte and heavily linked Godoy Cruz defender Thomas Galdames could also be on his way to Glasgow sooner rather than later.
Garcia’s agent, Edguardo Lasalvia, recently went public by claiming that his client’s weekly wage was that of a second division player and barely covers his rent as tensions escalate with Penarol. He suggested Garcia was offered just “two pesos” by vice president Eduardo Zaidensztat to extend his contract.
“I really like the MLS for Damian, but there are chances for Mexico and other markets,” he said. “If Damian didn’t have me, he wouldn’t be able to live like a professional and perform as well as he does. If not, he would not be able to pay rent, live as he lives and help his mother, who cleans floors. What happens is that the contracts expire and you have no obligation to renew. And even less so if you offer me two pesos, like the vice president did.”
Penarol currently sit top of the Primera Division, with Garcia recently netting his first goal for the club against strugglers Fenix. He also previously played a vital role in helping Uruguay win the Under-20s World Cup. But manager Aguirre appeared to shut down talk of a mass exodus of players later this year - despite a number of stars coming to the end of their deals. He told Uruguayan outlet Fenfield: “The squad is going to be this, with some modifications. I am very happy with them, they are the ones who have achieved all this. Some players may come, but the most important ones are those who are here.”
Pressed specifically on Garcia's situation amid statements made by the player’s agent, he responded: “Players of his stature are always important, but he must have the desire to stay. That can be decisive.”