Rangers eye another Nigerian centre-back to join Emmanuel Fernandez

Scottish giants Rangers are looking to sign Zalaegerszeg defender Akpe Victory to join Emmanuel Fernandez at the club next season, Afrik Foot reports.

The 19-year-old only just joined the Hungarian side during the winter transfer window after spending the previous year with Lithuanian side Banga Gargzdai.

Standing at 1.95m tall, the teenager possesses a towering presence that Rangers need at the back, after poor defensive mistakes cost them in the run-in for the SPFL title, eventually won by Celtic.

Rangers keen on signing Akpe Victory

The SPFL giants are looking to reshape their squad ahead of next season, with the aim of building a team that has the stamina to compete with Celtic as they look to bring the league title to Ibrox again.

As per journalist Ben Jacobs, the Gerns want to sign Akpe Victory, but they’re in an intense race with other top clubs.

Switzerland’s FC Basel have already seen their two bids for Akpe rejected, while Rangers and Benfica are waiting for the transfer window to open before making any financial commitments. Zalaegerszeg want around €5m for the 19-year-old.

Why Rangers want Akpe Victory to join Fernandez

Danny Rohl’s side will be without James Tavernier next season after the captain confirmed he’ll be leaving the club after spending eleven years. Across all competitions, the Englishman scored 144 goals and provided 148 assists, the most goal contributions of any right back in football history.

As per Football Insider, Emmanuel Fernandez is set to be named captain next season, after showing he can be a leader from the back for the Gers in his debut season in a top-flight league.

Given the trust the club have had in the past with Nigerian centre-backs like Calvin Bassey, they’re assured that Fernandez can mentor Akpe Victory if he decides to make the move to Ibrox, considering they have very few options in that position.

Rangers finished third behind Hearts and Celtic on the Scottish Premiership table last season, feat they want to put behind them as they progress in the next campaign.