Rangers: How  Danny Rohl’s exit affects Borussia Dortmund’s hunt for Emmanuel Fernandez

Scottish giants Rangers might be set to lose Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez after coach Danny Rohl announced his departure from the team, Afrik Foot reports.

Borussia Dortmund have been tracking the Nigerian international since the turn of the year, but Die Schwarzgelben are not alone.

Arsenal and Chelsea have also been monitoring Fernandez’s development, alongside Club Brugge, Feyenoord, West Ham, Everton, Ajax, with Bayer Leverkusen the latest to enter the race and now considered the frontrunners for his signature, as per One Football.

Standing at 6’4″, the 24-year-old centre-back contributed six goals in 33 appearances across all competitions as Rangers finished third in the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers paid just £3.5 million to sign Fernandez from Peterborough United last summer, but the Scottish club are reportedly holding out for between £25 million and £35 million to part ways with the Nigerian this summer.

How Rohl’s exit can impact Dortmund’s Fernandez pursuit

Danny Röhl departed Rangers by mutual agreement earlier today, joining Austrian Bundesliga side Red Bull Salzburg ahead of their new season.

The German tactician was the one who took charge at Ibrox in October 2025 and oversaw the transformation of Fernandez from a promising but raw talent into a defender attracting interest from across Europe’s elite clubs.

Dortmund scouts were specifically dispatched to watch him during Röhl’s tenure, but the new Austria coach defended his decision to leave Ibrox, claiming he stands for ‘brave football’, throwing a shade at his former side.

“I think the task in Glasgow was also difficult. I stand for brave decisions, I stand for brave football,” the 37-year-old said in quotes revealed by the Sun.

“That’s why Red Bull Salzburg is the right fit for me. I had a great time in Glasgow,  my time was relatively short. 

“I’m just looking forward. 

Afrik Foot previously reported that Dortmund are unlikely to make a formal move unless one of their current right-footed centre-backs departs first.

The arrival of defender Joane Gadou has already filled the vacancy left by Niklas Süle’s retirement, leaving Waldemar Anton, Emre Can, Filippo Mané and emerging Italian Luca Reggiani all competing for the same positions.

Without an outgoing transfer, with Nico Schlotterbeck the player likely to exit the Signal Iduna Park, Fernandez simply does not fit into Dortmund’s immediate plans.

Is it time for Emmanuel Fernandez to leave Rangers?

From a purely footballing standpoint, the timing of this transfer window presents Fernandez with the ideal moment to take the next step, and the pressure to do so has only increased following Röhl’s departure.

The coach who built his confidence, structured his development, and turned him into a European-level talent has moved on. Rangers have confirmed that Hearts manager Derek McInnes will be his replacement.

While McInnes is an experienced Scottish football figure, he is an unknown quantity for Fernandez in terms of tactical fit, and there is no guarantee that the same conditions that allowed the Nigerian to thrive will be replicated under a new manager.

With his contract running until 2029, Fernandez holds genuine leverage. Rangers are under no financial pressure to sell, but the player himself has every reason to push for a move to a bigger stage.

Bundesliga football, whether with Dortmund or Leverkusen, will be a significant step up and would sharpen his case for the starting spot in Eric Chelle’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers team.