Official: Rangers sign Nigeria-eligible defender Emmanuel Fernandez on 4-year deal

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

Scottish giants Rangers FC have confirmed the signing of highly-rated defender Emmanuel Fernandez from Peterborough United.

The Nigeria-eligible centre-back arrives as the club’s fourth addition of the summer, signing a four-year deal as he replaces compatriot Leon Balogun, whose contract expired earlier this summer.

Fernandez, 22, brings a compelling backstory to Ibrox. Once released by a club and forced to play non-league football during the COVID-19 pandemic, the resilient defender worked his way up to the professional ranks and impressed at Peterborough before earning his big move to Rangers.

Speaking to RangersTV, Fernandez expressed his excitement: “Rangers is a huge club, with a great fanbase, and it’s a place where I know I can kick-start my career and my journey.

“It has been a journey for me—being let go, playing non-league, then getting the opportunity at Peterborough.”

Reflecting on his breakthrough season and the support he received, he added: “It took me a while to start playing there, but after getting my chance and a season of fully playing, I can’t be more grateful for this move.

“My family was behind me, pushing me to train harder and reach the next level.”

On Rangers’ interest and the emotional weight of the deal, Fernandez admitted: “A couple of weeks ago I heard about it, and to be honest, I was shocked.

This is a big club, they play in Europe, and have a great fanbase. I’ve watched a lot of games, including the Old Firm derby—it’s a place I really wanted to be.”

“It means a lot to be given a four-year deal because that shows trust. It’s a big step up from where I’m coming from, but I feel this is the perfect place for me.”

Fernandez will link up with fellow Nigerian Cyril Dessers, who remains at the club, though speculation continues about his future.

With this signing, Rangers continue to show ambition in building a youthful, competitive squad capable of reclaiming domestic honors and making an impact in Europe.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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