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Peterborough’s director of football Barry Fry has predicted that Glasgow Rangers will make massive profits when Nigerian defender Emmanuel Fernandez leave the Scottish giants, Footynaija reports.
The rise of Fernandez at Rangers has been one of the standout stories of the Scottish Premiership season so far. The 24-year-old centre-back, who arrived from Peterborough United last summer in a relatively modest £3 million deal, has transformed from an under-the-radar signing into a pivotal figure at Ibrox.
Initially met with scepticism from some supporters, many questioned the wisdom of the transfer and labelled him a risky acquisition, Fernandez endured a slow start, featuring sparingly in the early weeks. Yet his perseverance paid off.
Once handed consistent opportunities in the starting line-up, the tall defender showed the qualities that had convinced Peterborough football chief Barry Fry of his untapped potential.
Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly scouting Rangers center-back Emmanuel Fernandez, with potential moves being considered for the end of the season ✅
— Goaldata – Arsenal Zone (@ArsenalZNE) February 17, 2026
(@Editor_ANS) pic.twitter.com/iPdCKMijXH
Fernandez has since become a defensive mainstay, excelling in aerial duels, displaying composure in possession, and proving reliable at the back. Remarkably for a centre-back, he has added a significant attacking threat, netting five goals in 19 league appearances this campaign.
Fry, reflecting on the move in an interview with The Scottish Sun, stood by his early conviction despite the initial backlash.
“When we sold Manny to Rangers, the fans up there had a right go at me, saying he was the worst player they had signed. I just knew Fernandez had to be given a chance,” he said.
“I made it clear Rangers would eventually sell him for £30m or even £40m. I said he’d score goals as well and just come through strong for them.”
One Nigerian eligible defender quietly making progress in Scotland:
— ℝ (@RhydaFootyNG) March 8, 2026
Emmanuel Fernandez
Featured today in the Old Firm derby between Rangers FC and Celtic FC.
Not many people realize his story.
Fernandez is a 1.94m centre back, physically dominant and very strong in aerial… pic.twitter.com/jCuMStmSId
He acknowledged the early frustration among supporters when Fernandez struggled for minutes.
“Honestly, he just had to be given an opportunity. Early on, they didn’t give him one. He only got one or two games and I wasn’t popular up there with Rangers fans,” Fry added.
“Just look at Manny now. He has shown the Rangers fans he can defend and he can score goals. He’s a good player, it’s as simple as that. But I definitely don’t want to be saying, ‘Told you so’ to the supporters.”
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Fernandez has opted to represent Nigeria internationally. With his form catching the attention of Chelsea and Arsenal, he is in line for a potential first call-up to the Super Eagles squad ahead of their proposed friendly against Jordan later this month.
