Tremendous talent’ capable of the ‘spectacular’ all set for Rangers arrival as Oscar Cortes starts £4m fee payback
Óscar Cortés, the 20-year-old Colombian winger, has completed a permanent transfer to Rangers from French club RC Lens. Initially joining Rangers on loan in January 2024, Cortés impressed with his performances before a hamstring injury curtailed his season. The new agreement includes a £4 million fee, reflecting the investment made by Lens when signing Cortés from Millonarios in his home country.
Cortés began his professional career with Millonarios, making his debut shortly after his 18th birthday. His standout performances in the Copa Libertadores, particularly against Atlético Mineiro, led to his move to Lens in 2023. Despite the high expectations, Cortés made only four appearances for Lens, scoring once, before moving to Rangers.
At Rangers, Cortés made an immediate impact, scoring in a 5-0 victory over Hearts. However, his season was cut short due to a hamstring injury sustained in February 2024. Manager Philippe Clement expressed satisfaction with Cortés’ contributions and potential, stating, “I am really pleased to have Oscar coming back. He was a big asset to the squad when he came to the club and he showed the qualities that attracted him to us.”
Cortés’ journey to Rangers was the result of extensive scouting. Director of Recruitment, Nils Koppen, noted that the club had been monitoring Cortés for over two years, impressed by his performances for Millonarios and the Colombian Under-20 national team. Koppen highlighted Cortés’ pace, technical ability, and goal threat as key attributes that aligned with Rangers’ strategic objectives.
Despite the challenges posed by his injury, Cortés remained committed to returning to full fitness and contributing to the team’s success. He expressed his enthusiasm about staying with Rangers, stating, “I am delighted to be able to stay at Rangers… I was enjoying my football under the manager and playing alongside my team-mates.”
The completion of Cortés’ transfer underscores Rangers’ strategic focus on securing young, dynamic talent capable of making an immediate impact. His integration into the team is anticipated to enhance the club’s attacking options, providing depth and versatility to the squad. As he continues his recovery and adapts to the demands of Scottish football, expectations remain high for Cortés to fulfill his potential and contribute significantly to Rangers’ pursuit of domestic and European honors in the comings seasons.
