Rangers name asking fee for Super Eagles new boy Fernandez

Scottish giants Rangers are prepared to demand a fee in excess of £20 million for Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez, amid growing interest from the English Premier League, Afrik Foot reports.

The 24-year-old centre-back has emerged as one of the standout performers in the Scottish Premiership this season and was recently voted into the SPFL’s Team of the Season.

Signed from Peterborough United for a modest £3.5 million, Fernandez initially had to bide his time before breaking into the starting XI.

However, once handed his opportunity, he has not looked back; he’s gone on to score six goals in 28 games.

Premier League clubs circling Emmanuel Fernandez

As per Football Insider, Premier League clubs like West Ham United and Arsenal are monitoring the defender’s progress ahead of the summer window.

While no formal bids have been tabled, Rangers are said to have internally placed a valuation north of £20 million on the Nigerian defender, a figure that reflects both his rapid development and the inflated nature of the current transfer market.

For context, that would represent a near six-fold profit on the fee Rangers paid just a season ago.

Sources close to the club suggest it would take a “massive offer” to even bring them to the negotiating table.

Rangers’ stance may ultimately hinge on whether they secure UEFA Champions League football.

Qualification would not only strengthen their financial position but also give them leverage in negotiations.

Offering Fernandez a platform on Europe’s biggest club stage could convince him to remain in Glasgow for at least another season.

Failure to qualify, however, might shift the dynamic. Ambitious players often view Champions League exposure as a stepping stone to cementing international recognition, and for Fernandez, who is now looking to seal a starting spot in Eric Chelle’s starting eleven, visibility is paramount.

In the meantime, Fernandez’s goal is to win the SPFL title with Rangers, although they’re a point behind league leaders Hearts at the moment.

Both sides will meet in two weeks, and the fixture holds the potential in being a huge title-decider.