Rangers line up Emmanuel Fernandez replacement as Luke Graham deal wanted
Rangers could be bracing for Emmanuel Fernandez’s summer exit, as the 49ers look at signing Dundee FC’s Luke Graham.
The Bears only signed Fernandez last summer, and after a shaky start to life at Ibrox, the defender quickly became a fan favourite under Danny Rohl.
Gers have seen the Nigerian develop as the seasons have gone on, but that’s now led to others being interested in signing him this summer.
The 49ers have plans in place to back Rohl in the upcoming transfer window, and defence is an area where multiple additions are needed.
Rangers are looking at signing Graham, who has been a standout for Dundee FC this season, and it could be the 49ers’ plan to replace Fernandez.
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Why would the 49ers cash in on Emmanuel Fernandez?
Rangers could face competition from Celtic for Graham, as fellow Scottish Championship club Dundee FC expect the defender to move on this summer.
The interest from Gers comes at a convenient time, considering there is now whispers that Premier League clubs are interested in Fernandez.
| Player | Games | Tackles per 90 | Blocks per 90 | Goals scored |
| Luke Graham | 32 | 0.76 | 0.16 | 2 |
| Emmanuel Fernandez | 22 | 1.09 | 0.30 | 5 |
Fernandez has had some injury issues this season, but when he has been fit, Rangers have never looked better.
The 24-year-old has room to develop, and the 49ers may see that as an opportunity to cash in on what should be a hefty price tag for his signature.
Graham is 22 years old and has some extra room for growth, as a standout season for Dundee FC shows just how good his defensive skills are.
The ideal scenario is that Fernandez is used as a pillar to build on for next season, but money talks, and Graham wouldn’t be a bad replacement.
Rangers need minimum of two new centre-backs this summer
Nasser Djiga will return to Wolves once his loan stay at Ibrox comes to an end, and he will be a player that the 49ers may look to sign permanently.
However, Wolves may want to keep the 23-year-old in their bid to regain their Premier League status next campaign, which means the Bears would have to look elsewhere.
Not only that, but Derek Cornelius will also return to his parent club, Marseille, as his fractious relationship with Rohl suggests a return will not happen.
The two players will leave holes in the team, and that’s not even considering the possibility of Fernandez leaving.
Either way, Graham is looking more and more likely to be an addition that the 49ers make this summer, though he may not be the only new central defender walking through the doors at Auchenhowie.
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