Pedro Caixinha predicts bright future for Rangers signing Fabio Cardoso
Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha believes he has signed a future Portugal international in Fabio Cardoso.
Caixinha is set to link up current experienced international Bruno Alves with the 23-year-old former youth cap in his central defence after signing Cardoso on a three-year contract.
Cardoso joins from Vitoria Setubal after making 23 appearances following his move from Benfica B last summer.
Caixinha told the club's official website: "He is a player who everyone describes as having big potential to be one of the centre-halves of the future with the Portuguese national team.
"We believe in him and he can perform on the right or on the left which is good in a centre-half.
"Fabio is 23 so having an experienced player around like Bruno Alves is good, he is a player whose one main characteristic is leadership so Fabio will feel comfortable and grow and learn from him."
Cardoso believes he can help Caixinha topple Celtic following the Hoops' sixth consecutive title.
"For me, this is the best club in Scotland and I will do my best to help us make history together," the defender said.
"This is a big step in my career and it has always been a dream for me to play here in the UK. The people are very passionate about their football and it is the best atmosphere to play football in and I will do my best.
"Of course, I have to adapt myself to the new country and to the new way of living. I think I am going to be successful though.
"I will do my best to help me and my team-mates win. A club as big as Rangers has to win."
He added: "I met Caixinha for the first time in the airport and I spoke to him a lot. I like him and what he had to say, and I think he is the right person to put Rangers where it belongs, which is first place.
"I know the football is very physical and the players are strong. I think it is a good way of football for me."
Cardoso is the third Portuguese player to sign after Benfica B loan player Dalcio and Alves, who joined from Cagliari.
On the latter, Cardoso said: He is an amazing player and is one of the best defenders from my country. I know with him I will learn a lot."
Rangers are also hoping to secure work permits for Mexican pair Carlos Pena and Eduardo Herrera with reports in their homeland claiming the club have spent close to £4million in total on the deals.