Rangers have secured the signing of Romanian teenager Kevin Ciubotaru – and he has now indicated that he has been wanted by a host of Premier League clubs.
Rangers made headlines this time last week by somehow pulling off a deal to sign Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey on loan.
The move that may have gone under the radar is the deal for Ciubotaru, who is a relative unknown to many.
Ciubotaru, 18, has made the move to Rangers from Romania and is heading into the Ibrox youth ranks as a talent for the future.
Born in Italy but having spent most of his time in Austria, Ciubotaru now heads to Scotland in search of a lasting career with Rangers.
Rangers regularly make moves to strengthen their B team and academy, with the likes of Juan Alegria, Tony Weston and Aaron Cervantes joining in recent times.
Ciubotaru is now on board and has been speaking about his move to Rangers as well as recent interest in him from elsewhere.
As quoted by the Daily Record, Ciubotaru claims he has had trials with Premier League clubs Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham, Watford, Southampton and Brentford.
Leicester City, Sheffield United and even Barnet had a look at Ciubotaru too, but it’s Rangers who have now clinched his signature.
Ciubotaru believes Rangers were actually prioritising one of his teammates and stumbled upon him almost by accident.
Comparing himself to AC Milan star Theo Hernandez, Ciubotaru now wants to settle down at Rangers and has already spoken to compatriot Ianis Hagi about life at Ibrox.
“I had trials and training at Chelsea, Spurs, West Ham, Watford, Southampton, Brentford,” said Ciubotaru. “I first went to Chelsea in 2019 and it opened my eyes to British football, but I did not feel ready for it yet. I also went to Barnet for a spell because Edgar Davids was the manager there. They wanted to sign me, while Sheffield United and Leicester City offered to sign me up for their Academies.”
“The interest from Rangers was unusual because they were looking at videos of one of my colleagues and spotted me instead. They wanted more details and within a week they sent me a plane ticket and I flew to Glasgow. Rangers are an extraordinary club, with a superb training base, impeccable conditions and a special section dedicated to their own academy. I just want to make the most of this incredible opportunity in my career.”
“I met Ianis Hagi and we spoke a little. He’s a very humble man, I can’t wait to train and play with him in the first team next season hopefully. I’m sorry he got hurt pretty badly, I understand he’ll need a few good months to recover. Firstly, my aim is to return to the Romanian Under 21 team now I am at Rangers. I think my qualities are speed, dribbling and stamina. I style myself like Theo Hernandez from Milan, although I have a lot of work to do with my right foot. I still have a lot to learn of course,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
