MLS reporter Tom Bogert has taken to Twitter to share that Leeds United, Espanyol and Rangers are interested in signing LAFC midfielder Jose Cifuentes – a player that Leeds were said be keeping an eye on last summer.
Cifuentes, 24, has starred for MLS Champions LAFC since joining the club back in January 2020. He has clocked up 104 outings alongside the likes of stars Carlos Vela, Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini – having a hand in 31 goals.
A 15-time Ecuador international, he is a hard-working midfielder able to get into the final third and have an impact – but also able to put in a defensive shift. It is unclear how much he is worth – but it is likely to be on the cheap.
Cifuentes’ contract at LAFC ends in December 2023 – the end of the current MLS season. It means he could go on the cheap in the summer, or on a free and arrive at a new club in January. Leeds and LAFC have a good relationship.
That is born out of Mateusz Bogusz’s permanent move to LAFC this month. A move which saw Leeds cancel a loan he had with Ibiza, allowing him to make a move to LAFC. Bogert reported the interest in Cifuentes on Tuesday.
Leeds, Espanyol and Rangers interested in LAFC midfielder Cifuentes
Of course, this is is not the first time Leeds have been linked with the Ecuador ace. A report from Bolavip last August said Leeds had tabled a bid of £4.2m to get him last summer. Whether LAFC will sell for that fee remains to be seen.
The last few weeks have highlighted the need for a central midfielder. A season-ending injury to Tyler Adams has left Leeds with just Weston McKennie and Marc Roca. Adam Forshaw is back – but his contract ends in the summer.
So, Cifuentes might be the ideal kind of arrival. An experienced player but still young at 24, with the impact of being able to score and defend. All, for a bargain fee. You would expect he would be happy to supply cover at Elland Road.
