Emmanuel Fernandez wanted by Borussia Dortmund as Rangers reject £23m bids
Emmanuel Fernandez has developed into a fantastic weapon for Rangers.
Fernandez joined Rangers for £3.5million from League One side Peterborough United in the summer, and he has become a mainstay in the defence.
The 24-year-old was on the periphery of the first-team squad under Russell Martin, and the move looked to be a huge waste of funds after early struggles.
However, Fernandez has been a key player for Danny Rohl, with his threat from set-pieces proving to be the difference in several Scottish Premiership matches.
Rangers are currently in great form, and Fernandez isn’t the only player to be subjected to interest from top European clubs.
Emmanuel Fernandez wanted by Borussia Dortmund, Rangers reject two huge bids for key attackers
Kevin Thelwell was slammed for his role in the summer transfer window, as several players got off to slow starts during Martin’s reign.
However, as some players begin to find their feet under Rohl, their value in the transfer market is increasing.
The Scottish Sun Sport reports that Fernandez is now attracting major attention from teams across England and Europe, and has been scouted by Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund already.
His aerial threat is completely unique, and it’s not a shock that several top teams are interested, given the importance of set-pieces in the modern game.
| Stat | Fernandez |
| Appearances | 14 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Aerial duels won | 77.0% |
It also emerged on 27 January that Rangers rejected a £10m bid for Djeidi Gassama from French side Monaco.
Youssef Chermiti was then also subjected to a £13m offer from Fenerbahce, but Rohl views the striker as a key part of his plans, particularly after his brace against Celtic on 3 January.
All three players are viewed as not for sale, and the Bears are braced for any more offers that may come their way for the trio after waving away a possible £23m jackpot.
Fernandez, Chermiti, and Gassama were all signed during Thelwell’s tenure, and perhaps he should get some credit for bringing them in.
Did Kevin Thelwell fall under too much criticism?
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and fans were certainly justified in aiming their fury at him after the dreadful start to the season.
Rangers had a net spend of £20million in the summer transfer window, with Thelwell outlining that the squad had massively improved.
However, it has taken far too long for the players to turn up for the Bears, and a huge amount of credit should go to Rohl.
As a result, Thelwell was sacked by Andrew Cavenagh on 24 November, and the Light Blues have turned the page on his time as sporting director.
It must be said that he signed young players, intending to make a profit on them in the future.
Given the bids for Gassama and Chermiti, and the increasing interest in Fernandez, Rangers could be set for a huge windfall of cash in those players alone.
Thelwell has to get some credit for that, but supporters will ultimately be happy to see that he won’t have a say in any of the recruitment going forward.
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