Super Eagles watch: Osimhen’s backing puts Rangers’ Fernandez on Galatasaray radar

Galatasaray are showing serious interest in signing Rangers and Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

The interest from the reigning Super Lig winners is of particular note after it received a strong recommendation from Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, according to Turkish news platform Aspor.

Osimhen, who has spent two years at the Turkish champions and knows the club well, is believed to have spoken highly of Fernandez to Galatasaray officials. The two players are now teammates in the Super Eagles, and Osimhen reportedly believes the Rangers defender has the quality to strengthen the club's back line.

Fernandez is said to be excited by the chance to move to Istanbul. The 24-year-old centre-back would welcome the opportunity to play alongside Osimhen at club level.

However, Galatasaray will have to convince Rangers before any deal can happen. The Scottish club values Fernandez at around €20 million (£17 million), and early talks between both clubs have already started.

The Turkish giants also face stiff competition. German clubs Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund have both been monitoring the defender, while French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes are also interested in bringing him to their club. Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea had previously been credited with links for the former Peterborough centre-back.

Rangers star Fernandez has enjoyed a rapid rise

Fernandez's status received a major boost after an outstanding first season with Rangers.

Standing 1.98 metres (6ft 6in) tall, he is known for his strength in the air, making him dangerous when defending set-pieces and just as useful in the opposition's penalty area. Although he mainly plays as a central defender, he is comfortable on either side of central defence and can also fill in at right-back when needed.

He joined Rangers from Peterborough United in the summer of 2025 for a reported £3 million and wasted little time becoming a key player. During the 2025-26 season, he made 37 appearances, scored five goals, played in the UEFA Europa League and produced consistent performances that earned him Rangers' Player of the Season award.

Before reaching Scotland, Fernandez worked his way through English football. He spent time at Brentford's academy, Gillingham, Ramsgate and Barnet before establishing himself at Peterborough United, where he helped the club win the 2024-25 EFL Trophy.

Super Eagles breakthrough adds to growing reputation

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Fernandez chose to represent Nigeria despite being eligible for England.

His first Super Eagles call-up came in March when he made his debut, coming on for Semi Ajayi in Nigeria's 2-1 friendly victory over Iran.

Just four days later, the defender made his first international start and marked the occasion with his first goal for Nigeria in a 2-2 draw against Jordan. Those performances, together with his excellent season at Rangers, have now attracted some of the biggest clubs on the continent.

Galatasaray, however, hope Osimhen's recommendation can help convince Fernandez to choose Turkey, but with interest from Germany and France, the race for the Super Eagles defender is expected to be highly competitive.