The real reason Borussia Dortmund want Rangers’ Emmanuel Fernandez | OneFootball

As promised earlier, we will now cover yet another astonishing piece of transfer news at Ibrox. The latest name linked with a potential shock move is former Peterborough defender Emmanuel Fernandez. The English born defender is apparently due a Nigeria call up through family ties. Fernandez has been in curious form since joining in the summer. The entire deal around him remains bewildering.

A baffling transfer

At League One Peterborough, he was unwanted and valued at barely £300,000. Rangers were widely mocked as Barry Fry laughed loudly at the deal. Rangers paid around £3M to £5M for the player. The exact figure remains unclear but is likely around £4M. Ibrox Noise was astonished Rangers paid over ten times his market value. His early performances did little to justify that fee. When he did play, his defending was hardly inspiring. He lacked concentration and looked unreliable at the back. Many fans described him as a bomb scare. That assessment felt fair based on his early displays.

Bundesliga clubs circle

However, breaking news now reveals Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have been scouting Fernandez. Ibrox Noise does not wonder why. The reasons are clear when context is applied. There is the Danny Rohl Bundesliga link. His appointment has alerted German clubs to Rangers players. The bigger factor is Scott Fry. Rangers’ new set piece specialist has improved delivery and execution. The most notable beneficiary has been Fernandez. His set piece threat has grown significantly.

From bomb scare to threat

While his defending remains questionable, he has been scoring from set pieces. He is now among Rangers’ top scorers. That is not elite company given Rangers’ position in league top scorers. However, it is impressive for a central defender. There is no doubt Fernandez is strong in the air. His heading ability stands out clearly. He is less effective with the ball at his feet. However, he does make important clearances. Statistically, his biggest strength is aerial domination. He wins a high number of aerial duels. Scott Fry’s coaching has transformed Rangers’ set piece threat. Fernandez has benefited directly.

Rangers’ set piece specialist, Scott Fry.

The curious future

Rangers now have a clear outlet to target him in the box. That has caught attention elsewhere. Big clubs see a dangerous aerial weapon. With better coaching, his defensive output could improve further. Interest is not driven by his defensive qualities. It is driven by his set piece influence. Any ball into the box now makes Fernandez a threat. That is valuable for any side. Does this mean Rangers will sell him. Time will tell.

He has become a mainstay in Danny Rohl’s team. That speaks volumes. He currently partners Djiga at times. On other occasions, he partners Souttar when fit. He appears to be the first choice defender. That remains curious given his defensive flaws. It is a strange situation overall. We will see how this story develops long term.