Rangers tried to sign Jeremy Sarmiento as a youngster, years before the Brighton and Hove Albion talent became a World Cup player with Ecuador.
The Gers don’t have too much involvement in the World Cup.
Malik Tillman, Antonio Colak and Rabbi Matondo missed out on call-ups for the USA, Croatia and Wales squad respectively.
Borna Barisic did land a spot in the Croatia squad but he is the only Rangers player who could feature in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Rangers tried to sign Jeremy Sarmiento
It could have all been different though as Rangers once targeted a deal for Jeremy Sarmiento.
Sarmiento came off the bench to help Ecuador secure a 2-0 win over host nation Qatar on Sunday afternoon.
The Brighton and Hove Albion winger is one of three Seagulls stars in the Ecuador squad, joining Pervis Estupinan and Moises Caicedo.
Sarmiento, 20, has only played six minutes in the Premier League this season but is highly rated at the Amex Stadium.
The Spain-born wide man had plenty of interest as a kid and could have ended up in Scotland.
Sarmiento’s father Leonel has been quoted by The Scottish Sun as saying that his son earned major interest when playing street football in London.
Four clubs came forward with offers; three from London in Chelsea, Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace, then one in Scotland from Rangers.
Sarmiento decided to stay in London and play for Charlton and despite being able to play for England, he picked Ecuador – and is now a World Cup player.
“We moved to London when he was seven and he played a lot of street football there,” said Leonel. “When he was older, he got noticed and he had four offers of contracts from clubs – Chelsea, Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace and Rangers.”
“He wanted to stay in London and signed for Charlton. He had the opportunity to play Under 19s for Ecuador, Spain and England. I always told him he would play in a World Cup one day. And he has managed it with Ecuador – my country,” he added.
Sarmiento did end up heading to Portugal with Benfica before joining Brighton and has now earned his World Cup bow.
Rangers could have had a real talent on their hands in Sarmiento but sadly missed out and must now watch on as he develops for club and country.
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