Super Eagles transfer: 2 Fernandez attributes Aina believes will thrive in the Premier League

Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina believes Emmanuel Fernandez possesses two qualities that could help the Rangers centre-back succeed if he eventually earns a move to the Premier League, Afrik-Foot reports.

Aina was speaking about his Nigerian teammate on Snapchat, where he urged his followers to pay closer attention to the 25-year-old defender.

“You lot need to know about this guy. Top, top player, right and left foot, he’s top, and he’s got a level head,” Aina said.

Fernandez, who was standing alongside Aina, responded when his international teammate suggested a Premier League move could be next.

“Premier League soon?” Aina asked.

“Amen,” Fernandez replied.

It is an intriguing exchange given the defender’s recent rise. Fernandez joined Rangers from Peterborough United in 2025 and enjoyed an outstanding first season in Scotland, earning Rangers’ Player of the Year award and a place in the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year.

His start to the 2026/27 season has been less straightforward, with criticism following several early performances, but his form has improved alongside Olwethu Makhanya.

Super Eagles transfer: Why Fernandez will play well in the PL

1. Fernandez’s ability to use both feet

The first quality Aina highlighted was simple but significant. For a centre-back, being comfortable with either foot can provide an important advantage, particularly when building from the back.

Fernandez’s ability to shift onto his left foot was already evident during his first Super Eagles start against Jordan in March.

The Rangers defender scored Nigeria’s second goal that night after controlling Bright Osayi-Samuel’s cross before moving onto his left foot and finishing calmly.

That versatility can also make a defender less predictable when opponents attempt to press.

A centre-back who is heavily dependent on one foot can become an obvious target for an aggressive press. Being able to receive, carry or pass with either foot gives Fernandez more options when attempting to escape pressure.

It is particularly relevant in England, where the intensity of pressing can leave defenders with very little time to make decisions.

Fernandez also has experience playing in a more advanced role earlier in his career, having previously operated as a midfielder before settling at centre-back. That background has contributed to the comfort he displays when stepping out with the ball.

World class centre-backs like Thiago Silva and Virgil van Dijk played with both their feet, and with Fernandez already possessing those attributes, he’s towing the lines of greatness already.

2. The “level-head” Aina sees in Emmanuel Fernandez

The second quality may be even more important. That description fits one of the characteristics that has stood out during Fernandez’s rise, particularly when considering the pressure he has already experienced at Rangers.

Fernandez admitted recently that playing for Rangers comes with significant pressure.

“It’s a lot of pressure playing for a team like Glasgow Rangers, but it’s enjoyable,” Fernandez told Football Fans Tribe.

“I feel like there will be moments in the season where you’re under a bit of pressure, but that’s where you show how good you are, and that you can get through it, that’s how you get through it as a player.”

That experience could prove valuable if the defender eventually makes the step into the Premier League.

Fernandez has already experienced criticism at Rangers this season after errors against Falkirk and St Mirren. Yet, his response has been to regain his place and help Rangers produce stronger defensive performances alongside Makhanya.

His performance at Celtic Park was another example. Fernandez was booked after only four minutes and had to play almost the entire match under the additional pressure of avoiding a second yellow card, and he finished the game strongly.

What could make the Premier League move realistic?

Fernandez’s progression has already taken him from Brentford’s academy and non-league football to Peterborough, Rangers and the Super Eagles, with his career going through a rather unconventional routes.

The Premier League, however, would be another significant step. Aina’s comments suggest that he sees qualities in Fernandez that can translate to that level.

The defender still has plenty to prove before that “Amen” can become a reality. For now, though, one of Nigeria’s established Premier League defenders has publicly identified Fernandez as a player worth watching.

And given the trajectory of his career over the last two years, that endorsement could be very significant.