Rangers have been urged to reconsider their decision to retain Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez, with concerns that the Scottish club could miss the ideal opportunity to cash in on the Nigerian centre-back.
Fernandez joined Rangers from Peterborough United in 2025 and enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign, winning the club’s Player of the Season award and earning a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Season.
His performances also helped Rangers mount a strong challenge for the Scottish Premiership title, although they ultimately fell short.
The defender, however, has endured a difficult start to the current season, with his performances attracting criticism from former Rangers players and manager Derek McInnes calling for greater consistency.
Fernandez was the subject of transfer interest from several European clubs during the summer, but Rangers decided to keep him.
Scottish journalist Johnny McFarlane believes the club may now need to reconsider that decision, particularly with Fernandez approaching his mid-20s.
“If Manny Fernandez was 22, then it’s a different market,” McFarlane said, according to Ibrox News.
“At 25, which I think he turns in mid-November, that is going to be something that means Rangers have to accelerate a transfer move.”
McFarlane warned that Rangers could see Fernandez’s market value decline if they wait too long before considering a sale.
“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,” he added.
Fernandez is currently with the Super Eagles ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Russia. He was an unused substitute in both of Nigeria’s recent 2027 AFCON qualifiers and will hope to feature against Russia as he seeks to strengthen his case for a bigger role under coach Eric Chelle.
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