Emmanuel Fernandez says the speculation surrounding his future at Rangers is something he is comfortable living with, Footynaija.com reports.
The 24-year-old centre-back has been one of the standout defenders in British football since the turn of the year, drawing serious attention from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Arsenal are understood to lead the domestic pursuit, with Chelsea, West Ham and Everton all monitoring his situation closely. Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have also registered interest from Germany, while Club Brugge, Ajax and Feyenoord have been mentioned among European clubs keeping tabs on him.
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Rangers signed Fernandez from Peterborough United for £3.5 million last summer, and the defender barely featured in the opening months under then-head coach Russell Martin.
The appointment of Danny Rohl changed everything.
Fernandez became a first-team regular, scored six goals across all competitions, and earned a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year. His Super Eagles debut followed last month, coming in a friendly against Iran, capping a remarkable turnaround in fortunes within a single season.
Rangers are braced for a significant battle to keep him. The club have placed a valuation of between £25 million and £35 million on the defender, who has four years remaining on his contract. Peterborough also hold a sell-on clause from the original deal.
‘I love it here’
Speaking to the Scotsman ahead of Sunday’s Premiership home fixture against Motherwell, Fernandez was relaxed about the noise around his name.
“I don’t really read into stuff like that. I’m just focused on the job that I’m doing here. If there’s noise going on, I’m happy for the noise,” he said.
He made his personal feelings about Ibrox clear.
“I love it here. I see myself being here. I’ve still got four years left on my contract. I’m happy I’m here. I’m happy to carry on being here.”
Rangers sit third in the Premiership table, three points behind leaders Hearts with eight games remaining. For Fernandez, the title is the only conversation that matters right now.
