“He could play in the Premier League” – New Super Eagles star tipped for big England move

Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson believes Emmanuel Fernandez has all the tools needed to play in the Premier League, after a strong turnaround season at Ibrox, Afrik-Foot reports.

The defender did not have the easiest start to life at Ibrox following his £3 million move from Peterborough United last summer. Early performances led to criticism from supporters, with some questioning the club’s recruitment strategy. But in recent months, Fernandez has shown clear improvement, growing into his role and becoming a key figure in defence.

Thomson believes that rise has not gone unnoticed and says the 24-year-old fits the modern profile clubs look for.

“Brilliant. I think Fernandez’s profile, it is the way he plays, it is his personality,” Thomson said as per the Glasgow Times.

“But I think he is growing and growing.

“Do not quote me on his height, but I think he is 6’4, 6’5, or 6’6. He is an absolute monster.

“And he can play; he can handle the ball and is aggressive in both boxes.

“Profile-wise, he will tick a lot. We know that we live in an industry now where recruitment is all data.

“He is 6’6, the right age, fast, aggressive in both boxes, and can play. He could play in the Premier League easily for me.

“I think he will go for bug bucks, and rightly so.”

The former midfielder also pointed to past transfer success involving another Super Eagles defender to highlight Rangers’ potential profit.

“I think he will be, when you think Calvin Bassey obviously, the Europa season albeit it was a special season, went for £25 million.

“What a turnover that was for Rangers; they bought him for £250,000 off Leicester.”

Premier League: Fernandez proving his worth at Rangers

Fernandez’s improvement has been clear on the pitch, especially alongside Nasser Djiga, with the pair forming a reliable defensive partnership that few supporters would have predicted earlier in the campaign.

He has made 21 league appearances this season, scoring five goals, an impressive return for a centre-back. Known for his strength in the air, he has won 72 per cent of his aerial duels and 66 per cent of his ground duels, showing his ability to dominate physically.

But his game is not just about power. Fernandez has also shown composure in possession, completing 88 per cent of his passes and contributing to build-up play with accurate long balls and controlled dribbling.

Defensively, he has helped Rangers keep nine clean sheets in the league, while averaging 1.8 tackles, 4.7 ball recoveries and 6.8 clearances per game.

His performances have attracted interest from clubs in both England and Germany, including reported attention from Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Bundesliga big boys Borussia Dortmund.

Fernandez is currently focused on continuing his development, though. He is currently in Turkey with the Nigeria national football team after receiving his first senior call-up for upcoming friendlies against Jordan and Iran.