Emmanuel Fernandez draws Bayer Leverkusen interest — 2 reasons explained

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has emerged as a transfer target for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen ahead of a potential move from Rangers before the end of the transfer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 25-year-old has been the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer following an impressive campaign with the Scottish giants last season.

Fernandez was an integral part of the Rangers team throughout the campaign. Although the club ultimately fell short in the title race after losing out to Celtic, the Nigerian defender enjoyed an outstanding individual season.

His performances earned him the Rangers Player of the Season award, while he was also named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Season.

That impressive form has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, including Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as French side Rennes and Borussia Dortmund.

West Ham United and Bayer Leverkusen have now joined the race as they look to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season.

Why Bayer Leverkusen are keen on Emmanuel Fernandez

According to Onefootball, Bayer Leverkusen are interested in reaching an agreement for Emmanuel Fernandez this summer despite competition from several clubs.

The German side are looking to make a strong start to the new Bundesliga campaign as they aim to challenge Bayern Munich for the league title.

One major reason behind Leverkusen’s interest in Fernandez is their need for more options in defence. The Bundesliga side are looking to strengthen their backline ahead of the new season, and Fernandez has emerged as one of the players they believe could improve their defensive options.

Leverkusen have already brought in Facundo Medina from Lens, but the Argentine defender has played as a left-back rather than a centre-back in recent times.

That means Leverkusen could still need another reliable option in central defence, and Fernandez’s profile makes him an attractive candidate.

The Super Eagles defender has shown that he has the quality to compete at a higher level, while his aerial ability, physical presence and defensive solidity could make him a good fit for the Bundesliga side.

Another factor that could be behind Leverkusen’s interest is Fernandez’s ability to play out from the back.

The Nigerian defender is comfortable in possession and has shown that he can help his team build attacks from defence rather than simply relying on long clearances.

His high passing accuracy is another positive, while he is also capable of switching play with long passes when the situation requires it. Those qualities could make Fernandez particularly attractive to Leverkusen, who value defenders capable of contributing to their possession-based style of football.

However, any potential move will depend on Leverkusen meeting Rangers’ valuation of the defender.

A deal could surpass Rangers’ record sale and make Fernandez the most expensive player to leave the Scottish club in their history.

With the transfer window still open and more movement expected before the deadline, Fernandez could yet leave Rangers for the next chapter of his career, with Bayer Leverkusen among the clubs monitoring his situation.