Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez could soon be on his way out of Scottish giants Rangers after the club were advised to make a major decision on his future, Soccernet.ng reports.
Fernandez has been at Rangers since joining the club during the summer of 2025 from English lower-division side Peterborough United.The Super Eagles centre-back enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at Rangers during the 2025/26 season, becoming one of their most important players.
His performances also earned him the club’s Player of the Season award, while he was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Season after helping Rangers mount a serious challenge for the Scottish title, although they eventually fell short.
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However, Fernandez has yet to reach the same heights this season following a slow start to the campaign.
His performances have attracted criticism from several former players, while Rangers manager Derek McInnes has also demanded an improvement from the Nigerian defender.
The Super Eagles defender was heavily linked with a move away from Rangers last summer, with several top European clubs showing interest.
Emmanuel Fernandez: McFarlane wants Rangers to sell Super Eagles defender
Despite his importance to Rangers, Scottish journalist and broadcaster Johnny McFarlane has urged the club to consider selling Fernandez while they can still command a significant transfer fee for him.
Rangers decided against selling the Nigerian defender during the summer, but McFarlane believes the club may need to reconsider their position.
“If Manny Fernandez was 22, then it’s a different market, I think”, McFarlane said, via Ibrox News.
“At 25, which I think he turns in mid-November, in a month, that is going to be something that means Rangers have to accelerate a transfer move.”
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Fernandez remains the most valuable footballer in the Scottish Premiership, and Rangers could command a huge transfer fee if they decide to sell him.
McFarlane believes the club must carefully consider the timing of a potential transfer rather than risk holding on to the defender for too long.
“All these factors play in to when is the right time to move a player on, once a player gets to 27/28, it starts to become an issue.”
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Fernandez is currently with the Super Eagles as they prepare to face Russia in an international friendly on Tuesday. The Rangers defender was left on the bench for both of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last month.
However, he will be hoping to earn a starting place against Russia and use the opportunity to prove his worth as he continues to fight for a more prominent role with the national team.
