Michael Owen comments on Florian Wirtz's slow start (Credits: Imago Images)
Rangers head coach Derek McInnes has spoken openly about how Emmanuel Fernandez can turn around his disappointing start to the 2026-27 campaign at Ibrox.
The Nigerian international defender struggled to replicate the outstanding form that made him one of Scottish football’s most talked-about players during his debut season with the club.
Fernandez, 25, had been among Rangers’ most consistent performers last season, earning widespread recognition for his commanding displays at the back throughout the campaign.
His performances were enough to secure him the club’s Player of the Season award, a significant honour that reflected just how influential he had been for the Gers.
Fernandez also earned a place in the Scottish PFA Team of the Season, cementing his reputation as one of the standout defenders in the division during that period.
His form drew significant attention from clubs across Europe, with speculation mounting throughout the summer transfer window over a possible departure from Ibrox.
Arsenal were reportedly leading the chase for his signature, while Rennes, Chelsea, and Borussia Dortmund were also said to be monitoring the situation closely.
Rangers were aware of the growing interest and placed a valuation of north of £20 million on the centre-back, holding firm against any potential approach for his services.
TEAMtalk reported that the Gers had been expecting significant bids to arrive during the summer, with several Premier League sides identified as clubs capable of meeting the asking price.
No move ultimately materialised, leaving Fernandez at Rangers heading into the new season with heightened expectations and a significant amount of external noise surrounding his future.
McInnes has taken a measured approach in addressing the defender’s struggles, choosing to focus on how the player can improve rather than pile further pressure on him publicly.
The attention from rival clubs and the weight of expectation following such a decorated debut season may well be contributing factors to Fernandez’s difficult opening to the campaign.
Rangers supporters will be hoping their prized asset can rediscover the kind of form that first attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs in the months ahead.
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