Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has praised the impressive progress of defender Emmanuel Fernandez, saying the club may eventually make a huge profit from the player, Afrik-Foot reports.
Fernandez joined Rangers from Peterborough United last summer for a fee of around £3 million. At the time, many supporters were unsure about the transfer because the centre-back was not widely known. Some fans even felt the fee was too high for a player arriving from England’s lower leagues.
But only a few months later, the 24-year-old has changed that opinion completely.
Fernandez has quickly become a regular in the Rangers first team and is now widely seen as one of the club’s most reliable defenders. His strong performances, physical presence and ability to score goals have made him a key figure in the team’s defence.
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Ferguson believes the player’s development since arriving in Glasgow has been remarkable.When speaking about Fernandez’s progress, Ferguson told Five Stars VIP:
“Huge. When he first came in, there were a few mistakes, but then again, rusty, had not played a lot of football.”
The Rangers legend explained that the defender simply needed time to adjust after a period without regular matches.
As the season has progressed, Fernandez has grown in confidence and strength.
Ferguson added: “He’s grown on me big time. As I said, he does take some chances, but he’s everything you would want in a centre-half.”
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Standing at 6ft 6in, Fernandez has become a powerful presence in both defence and attack. His ability to dominate aerial duels and his calmness on the ball have helped Rangers remain strong at the back.
Ferguson continued his praise by highlighting the defender’s physical qualities.
“He’s a physical presence in both boxes and you can see each game he’s getting stronger and stronger, and at this moment in time. £3m looks to be a bargain, in my opinion.”
Because of that rapid improvement, Ferguson believes Rangers could eventually sell Fernandez for a much higher fee.
“He’s certainly one that the club could make good money off in the future.”
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Arsenal, Chelsea and Nigeria watching Fernandez closely
Fernandez’s performances have attracted interest from top clubs in Europe and beyond.
Top Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea are now reportedly monitoring the Rangers defender ahead of the summer transfer window. German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also believed to be keeping an eye on his progress.
Since moving to Scotland, Fernandez has become one of the breakout players of the season. His consistent displays even earned him Rangers’ Player of the Month award in January.
Because of that form, his market value has risen quickly.
Rangers originally paid around £3 million for him, but reports suggest the Scottish club now believe he could be worth more than £10 million, and possibly even higher if he continues to improve.
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For now, Rangers are not eager to sell him. Fernandez has become an important part of the team’s defence and the club would prefer to keep him at Ibrox for at least another season.
However, interest from big Premier League clubs could make the situation more complicated. If a major offer arrives from England, the player himself may find the move difficult to refuse.
While his club future is attracting attention, Fernandez is also making headlines internationally.
Although he was born in London and could represent England, the defender has decided to commit his international future to Nigeria. The 24-year-old qualifies through his parents and is currently applying for a Nigerian passport.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is believed to be monitoring the situation closely as the defender prepares for a possible call-up to the Super Eagles.
If his development continues at the same speed, Fernandez could soon become an important figure for both Rangers and Nigeria, while also attracting even stronger interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.
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