Rangers Loanee Gets Surprise Call up to Colombia National Team
· Yahoo Sports
Back in the winter of 2024, Rangers signed then 20-year old Colombia winger Oscar Cortes from Ligue 1 side RC Lens on an initial 18 month loan deal, before making the transfer permanent in the summer of 2025.
That was despite a tough 18 months, where the forward accumulated just 675 minutes of action, scoring once and assisting once. After just 102 minutes of playing time after the move was made permanent, he joined La Liga 2 side Sporting Gijon on loan, where he failed to register a goal contribution in eight games.
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So, in January of this year, he headed back to South America, joining Argentine side Huracan on a season long loan through the whole of 2026 as a calendar year.
Things have gone a bit better for Cortes in Argentina, with 34 appearances this season, a lot more game time than he had been receiving, as well as four goals and five assists. Not a spellbinding return, but certainly something for him to build on.
The highlight of his loan so far would surely have been his goal and assist in a 2-1 victory away to giants River Plate, where his two direct contributions took down a team with the likes of World Cup winners Nicolas Otamendi, Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna in their backline. A very good standard.
Well, ultimately, Cortes must be doing something right, as he has been drafted into the Colombia squad for their upcoming friendly double header with fellow South American side Chile.
The 23-year old debuted for the 2001 Copa America winners back in June 2023, playing the final few minutes of a friendly against Iraq, but has not made an appearance since, and was not a part of their 2024 Copa America or 2026 World Cup squads.
Coincidentally, he replaces fellow Argentina bases winger Jaminton Campaz of Rosario Central, who pulled out of the squad due to injury. This could be a big opportunity for the Rangers loanee.
Speaking of, the season in Argentina is nearly over, and Cortes will return to Ibrox in January. It remains to be seen what happens to him in the winter transfer window — but perhaps Derek McInnes could use him for extra depth. He now has Kevin Kelsy as a fellow Spanish speaker to keep him happy too. Let’s wait and see. It's easy to forget he is still a relatively young player who can continue to improve.