'Great asset for us' – Manager raves about Rangers 27-year-old on verge of switch
Former Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha has revealed that he believes Carlos Pena will be a “great asset” for Cruz Azul as he edges closer to signing the Mexican midfielder.
Pena is in Mexico City to undergo a medical and agree personal terms ahead of a return to his homeland after a difficult six months in Scotland.
The 27-year-old has scored six times in 14 appearances for the Gers but has looked well off the pace and struggled with the physicality of the Scottish game.
Caixinha confirmed Pena’s imminent signing after his side’s 0-0 draw with Xolos de Tijuana in his first game in charge.
“Carlos Pena is here and he will be a great signing. I know the qualities he can bring to Cruz Azul,” Caixinha said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“He was starting to fly in Scotland after taking time to adjust and he will be a great asset for us.”
Pena joined Rangers for £2.2million from Chivas Guadalajara in June but took time to adjust to Scottish football and couldn’t nail down a regular first-team place under Caixinha or Graeme Murty.
The Mexican midfielder will also he hoping to force his way into international boss Juan Carlos Osorio’s plans ahead of this summer’s World Cup finals in Russia.
Football Insider verdict
Pena’s move will be the least surprising bit of business done anywhere in January after failing to hit the levels required at Rangers. Moving back to Mexico should allow Pena to play in an environment more suited to his abilities with a manager who knows what he can bring to his side. Despite some of the criticism thrown Pena’s way, he’s not a bad footballer but it was clear he wasn’t suited to Scottish football and moving him on will free up some funds for Rangers to strengthen the squad this month after already securing Jamie Murphy and Sean Goss on loan deals.
In latest Rangers news, Gers fans have blasted the Ibrox board for their handling of Murphy’s transfer.
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