Rodrigo Riquelme is already a full-fledged Spain international, but he could have ended up at Rangers three years ago.
The 23-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder made his Spain debut in a 3-1 win over Cyprus, coming on as a substitute for Mikel Oyarzabal.
Rodrigo Riquelme received his second cap a few days later, coming off the bench with minutes to play in a 3-1 triumph over Georgia.
With Spain topping Scotland’s European Championship qualifying group, former Rangers midfielder Rodrigo Riquelme will now have his sights set on Euro 2024.
Rangers wanted Rodrigo Riquelme
Rangers fans will remember those links to Riquelme in 2020 which came after Atletico Madrid’s youth side faced the Rangers Academy in the UEFA Youth League.
The forward stole the show in a thumping 4-0 victory in Glasgow and first-team manager Steven Gerrard reportedly tried to sign the player heading into the summer.
This is a view which was recently shared by Spanish outlet Marca, who claimed Rangers actively made a bid to sign Rodrigo Riquelme just over three years ago.
Instead opting to move to Bournemouth, it is claimed the status of Scottish football counted against Rangers on this occasion.
Spain talent another loan target
While Rangers missed out on Rodrigo Riquelme, who recently played in a 6-0 thumping of Old Firm rivals Celtic, the loan interest speaks volumes about the Ibrox club’s ambitions.
The links to Riquelme might’ve come earlier, but Rangers have used the loan market to secure top talents in recent seasons.
Bayern talent and USA international Malik Tillman joined the club last season, while this campaign Rangers have the talented Brighton forward Abdallah Sima on their books.
Given the fact that Rodrigo Riquelme is now playing in a talent-strewn Spain squad, it’s clear any Rangers interest would’ve been temporary, but at least it’s in the right place.
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