Super Eagles star crowned Rangers’ best amid Arsenal and Chelsea interest

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has been named Player of the Year at Rangers Football Club after a standout 2025–26 campaign, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 24-year-old picked up the top prize at the club’s awards night in Glasgow on Sunday, bringing his breakthrough season to a fitting close.

Signed from Peterborough United last summer for around £3.5 million, Fernandez arrived with promise but little expectation. Within months, he had become central to manager Danny Röhl’s system.

After taking time to settle, the 6ft 5in centre-back nailed down a starting place and quickly turned into the defensive anchor of the team. Rangers kept 12 clean sheets in the Scottish Premiership with Fernandez at the heart of the back line.

But his impact was not limited to defending. Fernandez scored five league goals in 23 appearances, many coming from set-pieces, where his height and timing made him a constant threat. Across all competitions, he added another goal in the League Cup against Alloa Athletic and featured in the Europa League, in what was his first taste of continental football.

His performances caught the attention of many beyond the walls of Rangers as he was the only Rangers player included in the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year.

On the international stage, he made his debut for Nigeria against Iran on 27 March and scored on his first Super Eagles start four days later in a 2–2 draw with Jordan.

Thrilling to watch, Fernandez has gone from third-tier English football to one of the most influential defenders in Scotland in less than a year. That rise explains both his award and the growing attention around him.

Summer transfer battle looms for the Super Eagles star

That same rapid rise now puts Rangers in a difficult position ahead of the summer transfer window.

Interest in Fernandez is building across Europe, with clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham United, Feyenoord and Bayer 04 Leverkusen all linked with the defender. Rangers could demand a fee between £20 million and £40 million, a huge profit on a player signed just a year ago.

From a financial point of view, the argument for selling is strong. Scottish clubs rarely turn down that level of return, especially for a player still early in his development. Fernandez’s goals, clean sheets, and consistency provide clear evidence to justify such a valuation.

However, there is also a strong case for keeping him. Fernandez himself has played down the speculation, describing the rumours as ‘noise’ and insisting he is happy at the club. He still has four years left on his contract, and Rangers are aiming to build a squad capable of competing in European competitions, including a possible push for Champions League football.

Manager Röhl is understood to value Fernandez highly, seeing him as a cornerstone for future success. Selling him now could disrupt the team’s progress, especially after a season where defensive stability has been key to results.