Today, LAFC confirmed the signing of midfielder José Cifuentes to Scottish Premiership club Rangers.

LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington remarked, “Cifu has been integral part of LAFC’s success over the last three years.” “He has become a top midfielder in our league, and we are excited for him to continue his career at Rangers.”

On Jan. 13, 2020, LAFC signed 24-year-old Cifuentes from Ecuador’s Serie B club América de Quito. Cifuentes led LAFC to the 2022 Supporters’ Shield, MLS Cup, and 2023 Concacaf Champions League Finals in four seasons.

Cifuentes, from Esmeraldas, Ecuador, has 16 senior National Team appearances for Ecuador, including two in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Cifuentes helped Ecuador win the 2019 South American Championship and finish third in the U-20 World Cup with LAFC teammate Diego Palacios in 19 U-20 outings.

LAFC’s midfield relied on Cifuentes, who made 102 MLS regular season games (78 starts) and scored 14 goals and 20 assists in 7,185 minutes. He is one of 10 MLS players to accomplish those figures in their first four seasons before 25.

Cifuentes became the fourth player in Club history to make 100 MLS regular season appearances at BMO Stadium on July 9, 2023. All competitions, Cifuentes made 121 appearances and scored 15 goals and 20 assists.

Two seasons with Ecuadorian club CD América preceded his LAFC debut. In 2016, CD Universidad Católica made his senior debut on July 17 in a 2-2 draw against Fuerza Amarilla. Before joining CD América, Cifuentes played six matches for Universidad Católica.