Rangers have been warned that delaying a decision on Emmanuel Fernandez could cost the Scottish club financially, with the Super Eagles centre-back’s age now becoming a factor in his transfer prospects.
Fernandez moved to Ibrox from Peterborough United in 2025 and immediately became an important member of the Rangers squad.
The Nigerian enjoyed a remarkable first year in Scotland. He was voted Rangers’ Player of the Season and was also selected for the PFA Scotland Team of the Season. His displays at the back played a role in Rangers’ bid for the Scottish Premiership title, although the club eventually missed out on the championship.
His fortunes have changed this term, with Fernandez struggling to reproduce the standards he set during his maiden season. His performances have attracted scrutiny from former Rangers players, while manager Derek McInnes has also challenged him to produce more reliable displays.
Rangers had the opportunity to sell the defender during the last transfer window after attracting interest from several major clubs across Europe. The Scottish side chose to retain him, but journalist and broadcaster Johnny McFarlane believes that decision may soon need to be revisited.
“If Manny Fernandez was 22, then it’s a different market, I think”, McFarlane said, via Ibrox News.
“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 currently carries the highest valuation among players in the Scottish Premiership, which could put Rangers in a strong position to negotiate a lucrative deal for his services.
McFarlane believes, however, that the club cannot afford to wait indefinitely. He argued that Rangers must identify the right point to sell before the defender reaches an age that could reduce his appeal in the transfer market.
“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 has now joined up with Nigeria’s squad for Tuesday’s friendly against Russia. He did not see action in either of the Super Eagles’ two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers played last month, watching both matches from the substitutes’ bench.
The encounter with Russia presents the Rangers defender with another chance to stake his claim for regular international football. A strong showing could also help him regain the confidence of coach Eric Chelle and strengthen his position within the Super Eagles setup.
