Manny Fernandez really is the most hyped Rangers player these days, and it’s become something of an enigma.
Despite his uncertainty on the ball, subpar distribution and naïve defending, the-now Nigeria international has grown into stardom.
His goals from set pieces and aerial prowess have earned him a platform more elevated than he probably deserves, and that hype has given him an international cap and interest allegedly from some big European clubs.
West Ham
Borussia Dortmind and West Ham are said to be interested, whether or not it’s agent talk or Barry Fry trying to get his big sell-on fee is borderline irrelevant.
The fact is on his starting debut for his national side, he scored a stunning goal. It was only a friendly, and it was against Jordan not France, but it was still a big moment for a defender to finish as composed as he did. And that really helps market value.
Will there be big interest in the summer in Emmanuel Fernandez? It’s possible. The media attention around him is impossible to escape, and his set-piece prowess and ability to find the net is something few defenders have.
He’s the kind of player a big team is willing to pay for, and mould into the perfect defender. Add composure to his work at the back, and there’s no doubt he could become a far superior stopper than he is.
Fee
As for fee, with the hype around him, Manny Fernandez could earn Rangers Calvin Bassey-level numbers.
The-now Fulham stopper wasn’t incredible at Rangers, but Ajax saw a lot in him. They were willing to pay £23M for him.
Manny is the same. Some rich side are going to look at him and see the potential. And Rangers can really charge big money for that.
Difference between Manny and Bassey is Bassey was sold when Rangers needed that cash. Under the 49ers no one will be sold for less than their market value because the finance isn’t as desperately needed.
So we could be looking at very lavish figures. And of course we know Fry put a sell-on clause in there so we know we won’t pocket the lot.
With the hype machine around him, we’d be surprised if Manny Fernandez is still a Rangers player next season.