Scottish Giants Rangers are in talks with Peterborough United over the transfer of centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez, as per Pete O’Rourke.
Who Is Emmanuel Fernandez?
The 23-year-old defender spent time in the youth setups at Brentford and Gillingham.
Whilst at the Gills, he got his first taste of senior football, going out on brief loans to Sheppey United and Margate before being released.
After a spell at Ramsgate, Fernandez was signed by Peterborough United in July 2021.
He spent most of his first season at the Weston Homes Stadium playing for Peterborough’s youth team, though he did make one league appearance for the club.
The Englishman did not make any appearances for the Posh during the 2022/23 campaign. He spent the final part of the season on loan with National League side Barnet, making eight appearances for the Bees, some of which came in midfield, as they reached the playoffs.
The following season saw the tall defender used fleetingly by Darren Ferguson in the league, though he was a regular starter in the EFL Trophy. Fernandez played six times and scored one goal, as Peterborough won the competition at Wembley Stadium.
The management staff at Peterborough gave the centre-back a chance in the first team at the beginning of the 2024/25 season. He started regularly in the opening weeks of the season, putting in a couple of impressive performances when facing the likes of Exeter City, against whom he scored the winning goal.
But, as Peterborough’s defensive solidity worsened so did Fernandez’s performances. He found himself out of the team by the end of January, making just five more starts until the end of the season.
Fernandez’s eventful season saw him start 27 league games, score an impressive five goals and get sent off twice. He also scored a hattrick of headers in an under-21 game he played in whilst suspended.
Writer’s View
Any potential move to Rangers would surely be coming too early for Fernandez, who is yet to fully establish himself at Peterborough, and it seems strange that they would target a member of one of the worst defences in League One last season.
Despite being a centre-back who is playing in a back four, his offensive numbers are much better than his defensive numbers, which are distinctly average.
The 23-year-old needs a season of regular football, potentially in midfield, like he was used at Barnet, or on the right-hand side of a back three. This should allow him to use the excellent technical, passing and dribbling ability that he has whilst also easing his defensive burden.
From Peterborough’s perspective, they may be happy selling Fernandez given that they have permanently secured the services of Sam Hughes, who effectively took his place in the team last season.
