RANGERS have bolstered their defence with less than three weeks to go until their Champions League qualifiers.
That’s after new boss Russell Martin sealed the signing of Emmanuel Fernandez, who becomes the club’s second signing of the day and fourth new arrival this summer.
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Fernandez, 23, joins Rangers from English League One outfit Peterborough.
He follows Joe Rothwell through the door after the midfielder’s capture from Bournemouth was confirmed this afternoon.
Fernandez has penned a four-year contract at Ibrox and admitted he was SHOCKED to hear of the Light Blues’ interest.
Speaking after sealing the deal, he said: “I am honoured, it is a huge club with a great fanbase and I think I can kickstart my career and have a good journey here.
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“I was shocked when I heard about Rangers because it is such a big club but it was the place I wanted to be.
“I haven’t played at this level, there will be a lot of life changes for me, but it is something I want to be part of and I can’t wait to get started.”
Boss Russell Martin hailed his new recruit, adding: “Emmanuel is a young defender with a huge amount of potential, and I am excited to welcome him to the club.
“He has a strong physical presence, is a commanding defender and I believe in this environment we can help him develop and provide him with the opportunities to take his game to the next level.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming him into the group and getting to work.”
Fernandez began his career in the youth systems of Brentford and Gillingham, before dropping to non-league with Ramsgate.
The centre-back was snapped-up by Peterborough in 2021 and he enjoyed a breakout campaign last season.
He made 42 appearances across all competitions, scoring five times from the back.
Fernandez was one of two Posh players being targeted by the Gers, but they lost out on teammate Kwame Poku who joined QPR instead.
Rangers and their new manager have been busy in the transfer market and more new players look set to arrive in the coming days and weeks.
Lyall Cameron was the first man through the door having signed a pre-contract back in January to join from Dundee.
Bournemouth defender Max Aarons became the second new signing after arriving on loan for the season.
The right-back is well known to Gers boss Martin from their time at Norwich.
Joe Rothwell, who worked under Martin at Southampton, became the third signing.
The 30-year old enjoyed success last season while on loan at Leeds from Bournemouth, helping the Elland Road side to promotion.
After three years at the Cherries, he’s now departed permanently to sign on at Ibrox.
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Rangers’ pre-season campaign gets underway with a friendly clash against Club Brugge.
The Gers’ next match will be their first Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos on July 21.
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