Dortmund, Leverkusen to battle Arsenal, Chelsea for star on Super Eagles radar

German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have joined the growing list of clubs interested in Super Eagles hopeful Emmanuel Fernandez, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 24-year-old Rangers centre-back is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most talked-about emerging talents after a breakthrough season in Scotland.

English Premier League sides Chelsea and Arsenal had already been linked with him, but the arrival of two Bundesliga clubs has intensified competition ahead of the summer transfer window.

👏 Emmanuel Fernandez has been voted Men’s Player of the Month for January, sponsored by @PipelineEnergyS.

🛡️ Rangers conceded just the solitary league goal last month and Fernandez’s displays at the heart of defence was a contributing factor. pic.twitter.com/hqYKeEjVm8

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) February 9, 2026

Fernandez’s rise has surprised many observers. Standing at 1.98 metres tall, the central defender was largely unknown just a few years ago, playing lower-league football and gaining experience during loan spells. His development accelerated after he helped Peterborough United win the 2025 EFL Trophy, a moment that marked an important turning point in his career.

A move to Rangers FC in the summer of 2025 offered a bigger stage. Initially used as a squad option, Fernandez earned regular minutes only after injuries created opportunities in defence. He seized that chance impressively, becoming a first-team regular and scoring four goals in the Scottish Premiership.

His strong performances have also placed him on the radar of Nigeria’s national team selectors, with discussions growing around a possible Super Eagles call-up.

Premier League clubs monitor Super Eagles hopeful

Interest in Fernandez is not limited to Germany. Reports suggest Chelsea and Arsenal remain attentive to his progress, while Bayern Munich scouts are also believed to be monitoring his development.

The defender only joined Rangers last summer for a relatively modest fee believed to be under €3 million. Since then, his value has risen sharply following a series of commanding displays, including winning the club’s Player of the Month award in January.

Despite growing transfer attention, Rangers are under no pressure to sell. Fernandez is contracted at Ibrox until 2029, giving the Scottish club strong control over any future negotiations. Club officials reportedly believe the defender’s market value has already climbed beyond £10 million.

As things stand, no formal offers have been submitted. However, scouts from several European clubs are expected to continue watching Fernandez closely for the remainder of the season.

With his combination of physical strength, aerial dominance and improving composure on the ball, Emmanuel Fernandez has moved from relative obscurity to becoming one of the most intriguing defensive prospects on the Super Eagles radar. And those elements make him a potential centrepiece of a major transfer battle in the months ahead.