Why Rangers should sell Fernandez — Ex

Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers. Copyright: ImagoxVagelisxGeorgariou

Former Clyde and Dundee United manager Ian McCall has weighed in on the performances of Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez following Rangers’ difficult start to the 2026-27 season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Scottish side have made an unconvincing start to the new campaign, failing to win either of their opening two matches as they continue to search for their first victory since the arrival of Derek McInnes as head coach.

McInnes was brought in with the task of helping them close the gap on Celtic and challenge for the Scottish Premiership title, but his side have already dropped points in the league after a 1-1 draw against Dundee United.

Things got worse in midweek when Rangers suffered a 2-1 defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie.

Fernandez was one of the Gers’ standout players last season. The Super Eagles defender won the club’s Player of the Season award and was also named in the Scottish PFA Team of the Season after an impressive debut campaign.

His performances also attracted interest from several clubs during the summer, with Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and French side Rennes among the teams reportedly linked with a move for the defender.

It initially appeared that Fernandez could leave this summer, but the Nigerian defender has remained at the club despite the transfer speculation.

However, his performances in Rangers’ opening matches have come under scrutiny, particularly after his display in the defeat to Jagiellonia.

The defender was criticized for his role in some of Rangers’ defensive problems, with questions raised over whether he has remained fully focused amid the continued speculation over his future.

Soccer McCall backs Rangers to sell Fernandez

Fernandez’s chances of leaving Rangers have become more complicated following an injury to summer signing Ben Godfrey in the draw against Dundee United.

With the club now needing defensive reinforcements, selling Fernandez could leave McInnes with another problem to solve at the back.

However, former Rangers player McCall believes the club should still consider selling the Nigerian if a big enough offer arrives.

The former Clyde and Dundee United boss pointed to Rangers’ defensive struggles in their opening two games and believes Fernandez was one of the players exposed by the opposition.

“They got down the sides of them so easily, Fernandez as well,” McCall said, via Ibrox News.

“I mean, if you get a lot of money for Fernandez, it would be a no-brainer decision to sell.”

Fernandez will now be focused on responding on the pitch and showing that his early-season struggles are only a temporary setback. The defender will be hoping for a better outing when Rangers face Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday as they continue their search for their first win of the season.

The Light Blues will then face Jagiellonia Bialystok in the return leg of their Europa League qualifier, where they will need to overturn the 2-1 deficit if they are to keep their European campaign alive.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.

Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin