Rangers’ unsuccessful chase for Jose Cordoba was widely reported, with the Panamanian defender opting to join Norwich City instead of making the move to Glasgow.
Cordoba was playing for Levski Sofia in Bulgaria last summer, and a transfer to Rangers appeared imminent. However, hesitation on the player’s part led the club to withdraw from the deal.
Norwich entered the picture late, and the appeal of English football ultimately swayed Cordoba. Rangers then turned their attention to Robin Propper instead.
But Cordoba’s time in the Championship hasn’t gone smoothly since his switch to Norwich.
Cordoba among the Championship’s worst performers
Although Norwich are known for bouncing between leagues, this season they’ve struggled and find themselves in the bottom half of the Championship table.
Cordoba, who has featured in 30 league games, has been a key part of a disappointing campaign during a transitional period for the Canaries.
His struggles have shown in the stats, too. Cordoba was named in the “worst performing Championship XI” by the Second Tier podcast.
Partnered with Stoke City’s Michael Rose, Cordoba is rated as the second-lowest performing regular defender in the division by WhoScored.
Among players with over 1,200 minutes, Cordoba’s 6.42 rating narrowly beats Rose’s poor 6.35.
Lack of ‘passion’ ended Rangers move
Cordoba said his decision to join Norwich was fueled by his ambition to play in the Premier League, although that dream looks distant at present.
He also mentioned that conversations with his mother played a key role in rejecting Rangers, as he focused on reaching the top level in English football.
“It’s because my dream is the Premier League,” Cordoba explained in October 2024. “I also talked it through with my mum and wife, and the decision was made quickly.”
Rangers’ recruitment chief Nils Koppen, however, said the club backed out of the deal before Cordoba officially rejected them, citing a lack of enthusiasm from the player.
“Everything was agreed and he even came to Glasgow for a match,” said Koppen. “But we didn’t sense a real desire to join us. We can’t bring in a player who’s already unsure before playing a single minute.”
“It’s frustrating after so much effort, but you have to ask whether it’s the right fit for the club.”
