The Greek source reported [26 July] that the 25-year-old midfielder is set to join the club within the next 24 hours, arriving on a season-long loan with a mandatory £4.2million (€5million) purchase option.
This will see the Gers make a slight profit on the player after arriving from LAFC on a £1.2million deal last summer [Sky Sport], a Michael Beale signing that has not worked out for the Scottish club.
The Daily Record have reported that Cifuentes is joining Aris Limmasol in Cyprus. However, it seems it’s the Greek side Aris Thessaloniki who are landing him, causing confusion for writers at the national newspaper.
The Ecuadorian international looked to be a rather exciting talent before making the move to Ibrox, making 120 appearances for LAFC in the MLS and having a keen eye for goal.
However, he has made just 20 appearances for the Gers since joining last summer, with Philippe Clement deciding to send him on loan to Cruzeiro in Brazil for the second half of last season.
Despite being in a lower-quality league, with the potential to regain his fitness and match sharpness, he was unable to stamp a clear mark there either, making just 12 appearances.
Cifuentes was still called up to the Ecuador side for the 2024 Copa America but was an unused substitute in every single game as they crashed out of the quarter-final against Argentina.
Few fans expected the 25-year-old to make a comeback at Ibrox, but the player could have seen this summer as a reset button with the new manager. That does not seem to have happened, though
Cifuentes looks closer than ever to securing a permanent move away from Scotland, even if the club will receive the funds next summer when the loan-to-buy obligation is triggered.
It seems like the best ending for all parties involved, and Aris Thessaloniki will be hoping they can help the player rediscover his form from his MLS days.
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