Rangers decision on Emmanuel Fernandez’s future is clear based on Hibernian evidence
Rangers should be prepared to accept an offer for Emmanuel Fernandez this summer after his latest poor performance in their 2-1 loss to Hibernian.
Danny Rohl’s side slipped to a fourth successive defeat at Ibrox on Wednesday night as Dane Scarlett netted a late winner for Hibs.
Fernandez has been a mainstay in the Gers defence for the majority of the season, winning plaudits for his performances, but his lacklustre recent form continued in midweek.
Rangers reportedly want to stand in the way of him leaving this summer, with several Premier League clubs linked with a move for Fernandez’s services.
Based on his latest showing, and the way he has played since the league split, Fernandez should be included in Rangers’ transfer plans so they can cash in while his stocks are still high.
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VISIT THE RANGERS TRANSFER HUBEmmanuel Fernandez continued his poor recent form against Hibernian
Fernandez cut an uninterested figure as he was caught well out of position and ambled back towards his own goal while Hibs striker Martin Boyle netted a fifth-minute opener.
Some shoddy defending from the Nigerian international nearly saw Spurs loanee Scarlett score the winner in the second half, which he did eventually do as the clock ticked to 90 minutes.
| Minutes played | 94′ |
| Touches | 96 |
| Accurate long balls | 1/3 |
| Possession lost | 8 |
| Tackles | 0 |
| Ground duels won | 1/4 |
| Fouls committed | 2 |
Fernandez was caught napping again as he pushed too far up the pitch and failed to stop Felix Passlack making a breakthrough on the right flank with a desperate lunge before he crossed for Scarlett to tap home.
The 24-year-old has not been at the races for several weeks now, with talk of a move away and Rangers’ failed title challenge possibly getting to him.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Rangers are confident they can stop Fernandez leaving the club this summer, but it may be best for all parties if he is allowed to move on.
It does not seem as if he is playing for Danny Rohl, who is set to stay in charge of Rangers despite their dismal form, and so the board should definitely consider selling him if a big offer arrives from a Premier League side.
Rohl’s comments on Fernandez’s future give hint to potential exit
Fernandez is reportedly being tracked by the likes of Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and West Ham, so Rangers are bound to sell him for a sizeable fee if he does leave this summer.
Rohl commented on rumours around the 24-year-old’s future last month, insisting that qualifying for the Champions League would go a long way to keeping him at Ibrox.
He said: “In terms of Manny, he knows what he has here. He’s developed very quickly. We should not forget that one year ago he was playing in League One.
“Now he plays for a big club. And if everything goes well and we get what we want, maybe can play next year in the highest competition (Champions League).”
The Gers have now missed out on UCL qualification after losing four games in a row, meaning it seems much more likely that Fernandez will want to move on this summer.
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