Transfer: French giants join Borussia Dortmund in race for Emmanuel Fernandez

Super Eagles and Rangers centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez has been linked with a plethora of clubs this summer after a brilliant season with the Gers in the SPFL, Soccernet.ng reports.

French side Stade Rennais have entered the growing race for the 24-year-old, adding further weight to what is truly a remarkable story of a player who is only on the back of his first top-flight season.

According to Ouest-France, per Tribal Football, Rennes have listed Fernandez as one of three defensive options as they look to rebuild their backline ahead of next season.

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However, the French side are not alone. Dutch giants Feyenoord, alongside German sides Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, are all monitoring the Nigerian international after a breakout debut campaign in Scotland.

Why Emmanuel Fernandez is attracting Europe’s top clubs

Fernandez’s rise has been rapid. The Nigerian centre-back made 27 Scottish Premiership appearances last season, scoring five goals, while establishing himself as one of the best players in the league, winning the Rangers Player of the Year award.

Beyond the numbers, his profile makes him attractive. At 24, Fernandez combines physicality, aerial dominance and progressive ball-carrying, all of which are traits modern clubs want in their centre-backs.

Why Rennes’ interest could complicate things for Dortmund

On paper, Dortmund may look like the glamorous option, but Rennes could be a serious threat.

Unlike the German clubs, Rennes may be able to offer Fernandez something crucial: guaranteed playing time, which is important for a player looking to break into the Super Eagles starting eleven.

With only three caps so far, regular football will be vital if he wants to cement his place ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

At Dortmund or Leverkusen, competition would be far more intense, while it'll be a lot less so with the French side.

However, despite interest from several clubs, Rangers hold the negotiating power. The Scottish giants are under no pressure to sell, and given how quickly Fernandez has developed, they are expected to demand a lot of money.

Considering his age, contract situation, and growing demand, Rangers could realistically push for a fee north of £15 million, over four times the original amount they spent to secure his services from Peterborough about a year ago.

For interested clubs, it is a case of buying the young defender this summer. Should he perform even better for Rangers next season, the price tag could double.

In the meantime, the former Brentford defender is set to return to Rangers' pre-season training, although he might not be at the club when the summer transfer window slams shut.