Rusty Rangers transfer gears start to turn after latest update from South America
06/30/2024 04:00 AM
It feels like a while since Thomas Galdames was first linked with a move to Rangers.
Right back at the start of the summer, the Chilean defender was emerging as an Ibrox target as the club continue to look at emerging markets.
Nils Koppen has turned his transfer glances to South America and after missing out on Latin defender Jose Cordoba, Thomas Galdames appeared to be next on the list.
But after signing AC Milan youth talent Clinton Nsiala – presumably with the intention of playing the defender regularly – the links went somewhat cold.
Now, after Chile were unceremoniously papped from the Copa America, we're going to find out one way or another if the interest in Galdames is real.
Galdames finally makes Chile debut
Thomas Galdames – who currently plies his trade with Godoy Cruz in Argentina – had never been capped for Chile before the Copa America.
And it looked like the son of famous Chilean footballer Pablo Galdames might be leaving the tournament in USA still without a maiden appearance.
But after coming off the bench against Canada in the final matchday of Group A, the elation of the defender's first international appearance quickly turned to devastation.
With Gabriel Suazo sent off for a second yellow card after only 27 minutes, Thomas Galdames was subbed on to fill the void left by the dismissal.
But the left-sided defender was powerless as Chile were held to a fraught 0-0 draw which saw Canada progress as runners up behind a dominant Argentina.
Lionel Scaloni's side won all three group stage games without conceding a goal, completing their pre-knockout campaign with a 2-0 win over Peru.
Chile meanwhile were beaten by Argentina and held by Peru, with the match against Canada Galdames' first game of the tournament.
Rangers transfer target wants exit 'now'
Chile's exit from the tournament will now see the transfer gears turn when it comes to Thomas Galdames.
Linked with a move to both Rangers and Belgian side Royal Antwerp, the 25-year-old has entered the final year of his contract in Argentina.
With the Copa America offering an initial delay on any exit, Galdames has been clear throughout the window that he expects to move to European football.
"I have a contract in Godoy Cruz until December and mine and their idea is that they sell me now," Galdames told local media earlier in June.
"My representative is working on that, they are not issues that concern me and I focus only on the games.
"I know that, going to Europe in a competitive league, before here in South America I will continue to grow."
Galdames stole the show in what could prove his final game for Godoy Cruz before the Copa America this summer.
