Rangers boss McInnes backs Emmanuel Fernandez to become ‘key figure’ next season

Rangers manager Derek McInnes says he is convinced Emmanuel Fernandez can develop into a central figure at Ibrox next season after the Nigerian defender’s eye-catching first year in Glasgow.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who arrived from Petersburg last summer, scored six goals in 33 appearances in all competitions in his debut campaign, emerging as one of Rangers’ most influential performers despite the club missing out on the Scottish Premiership title.

McInnes believes that contribution is only a glimpse of what Fernandez can offer as he grows into his role at the club.

High expectations after big-money move

Fernandez was one of the headline signings of last summer’s rebuild, joining alongside forward Youssef Chermiti in deals that generated intense scrutiny over their transfer fees and profiles.

Speaking to Rangers View (subscription required), McInnes acknowledged the weight of expectation that accompanied both players.

“Both of them are relatively young and they came with a lot of expectations on them with the price tag and the kind of profile,” he said.

The Rangers boss stressed that anyone arriving at Ibrox must be ready to compete for silverware, but cautioned that younger recruits still require patience and a structured pathway to reach their peak.

“I’m pretty sure when you speak to these lads and everybody who signs for Rangers, they should all have that kind of inherent feeling that we’re here to win things and be successful. But there’s also, at that age, a development process.”

‘Real quality’ shown in debut season

Despite the pressure, Fernandez quickly established himself as a mainstay in the side, impressing with his defensive composure, aerial presence and goal threat from set pieces.

McInnes said both Fernandez and Chermiti had already demonstrated their potential at various points last season and challenged them to become more reliable match-winners.

“And I think both lads, at their best last season, showed their real quality. And the challenge for them and for me is to get their best more often,” McInnes added.

The manager believes that consistency, rather than raw ability, is now the key step in their progression.

All-round threat at both ends of the pitch

Fernandez’s six goals underline his value in the opposition box, while his athleticism and reading of the game have made him a crucial part of Rangers’ defensive structure.

McInnes underlined the all-round qualities of both Fernandez and Chermiti, saying he is confident supporters will see even more from the pair in the coming campaign.

“When they are on top of their game, both have got so much to offer at both ends of the pitch and I think that hopefully we can see that.”

With pre-season preparations under way, Fernandez is expected to play a central role as Rangers look to reclaim the Premiership title and push for success in domestic cup competitions and Europe.

Key role expected in title push

Inside the club, there is an expectation that the Nigerian will not only maintain the standards he set in his debut year, but also assume greater responsibility as one of the defensive leaders.

Having navigated the uncertainty that accompanied his arrival and adapted quickly to the demands of Scottish football, Fernandez now heads into his second campaign with McInnes’s full backing and a clear mandate: to turn flashes of promise into sustained dominance at the heart of the Rangers defence.