Emmanuel Fernandez lined up to replace James Tavernier as Rangers captain, Danny Rohl has two main options
Emmanuel Fernandez is a prime candidate to become Rangers’ next permanent captain this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Danny Rohl is already considering his options to replace the outgoing James Tavernier as the leader of his group, with midfielder Nicolas Raskin also viewed as somebody who could step up into the role.
The Gers are already putting plans in place to replace Tavernier in the leadership role, and sources say that Rohl views Fernandez as someone who has shown all the right qualities to take on the responsibility.
The 24-year-old’s strong availability is also seen as a tick against his name at Ibrox, as he has missed just three Scottish Premiership games since the end of November.
Rangers’ title bid looks set to go down to the wire in the coming weeks, and Rohl already has his options in mind to become the next skipper.
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VISIT THE RANGERS MATCH HUBHow secure is Emmanuel Fernandez’s future at Rangers?
Fernandez has been a revelation for Rangers in recent months, as his performances have been a driving factor behind them fighting their way back into the title race after a woeful start.
That has naturally prompted attention from elsewhere, and he has been increasingly linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks.
| Stats | Fernandez Totals | Squad Rank |
| Apps (Starts) | 23 (21) | N/A |
| Goals | 5 | =6th |
| Defensive Contributions per 90 | 11 | 1st |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.9 | 7th |
| Interceptions per 90 | 1.4 | 2nd |
| Blocks per 90 | 0.6 | 3rd |
Rohl will be keen to avoid handing the captaincy to a player who could potentially depart the club in the early stages of next season, but that looks unlikely to happen at this stage.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Rangers are confident of keeping Fernandez if they can secure a place in the Champions League for next season.
The Glasgow giants must finish in the top two in the Premiership at the end of the campaign to at least earn themselves a spot in qualifying for Europe’s premier club competition.
They are also set to place a significant valuation on Fernandez to try to ward off any immediate interest, and if their plans are successful, then it will leave the door open for Rohl to make him the new skipper.
Where will James Tavernier move after leaving Ibrox?
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Tavernier is ready to snub a move to England this summer, despite interest from clubs in both the Premier League and the Championship.
However, he would instead prefer a move to either the Saudi Pro League or a top European league, in pursuit of a big contract.
There has been interest in the right-back from the Middle East in the past, and while those previous attempts have proved unsuccessful, that could change this summer.
The veteran is expected to have a wide array of options available to him for his next move, with many deemed to be more attractive than the idea of a return to England.
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