Rangers told to sell Fernandez

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez. Photo: Eagles

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez could be heading towards the exit door at Scottish giants Rangers after the club were urged to reconsider their stance on the Nigerian’s future, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Fernandez joined Rangers from English lower-league side Peterborough United in the summer of 2025 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the Scottish side.

The centre-back enjoyed an outstanding debut season in 2025/26, earning Rangers’ Player of the Season award and a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Season. His consistent performances also helped the club mount a serious challenge for the Scottish Premiership title, although they ultimately finished short of their target.

However, the Nigerian has struggled to replicate that form this season, with his slow start drawing criticism from former Rangers players and prompting manager Derek McInnes to demand greater consistency from the defender.

Fernandez was already the subject of strong transfer interest last summer, with several leading European clubs reportedly monitoring his situation. Rangers ultimately opted to keep the defender, but Scottish journalist and broadcaster Johnny McFarlane believes the club may have to revisit that decision before his market value begins to decline.

“If Manny Fernandez was 22, then it’s a different market, I think”, McFarlane said, via Ibrox News.

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“At 25, which I think he turns in mid-November, in a month, that is going to be something that means Rangers have to accelerate a transfer move.”

Fernandez remains the most valuable player in the Scottish Premiership, meaning Rangers could still demand a substantial fee should they decide to cash in on him.

McFarlane, however, believes the timing of any potential sale will be crucial, warning Rangers against keeping the defender beyond the point at which his transfer value begins to drop.

“All these factors play into when the right time is to move a player on; once a player gets to 27/28, it starts to become an issue.”

Fernandez is currently with the Super Eagles ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia. The Rangers defender was an unused substitute in both of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last month.

He will now hope to earn a starting berth against Russia and use the fixture as an opportunity to remind coach Eric Chelle of his qualities as he continues his push for a more prominent role with the national team.