Ibrox View: Exit-linked Rangers ace's admission pleasing, but new issue emerges for 49ers

Emmanuel Fernandez has been sensational for Rangers this season, with the 49ers grabbing a real coup in the transfer market.

The Nigerian international has come on leaps and bounds since making the switch from Peterborough in the last summer window.

A partnership of Fernandez and Nasser Djiga has been the backbone of the Gers’ title push this campaign, but there have been fears that both may not be in G51 next season.

Djiga looks all but set to return to Wolves, with the English side keen on assessing the Burkinabe centre-back. Meanwhile, Fernandez has been linked with a big-money move to the Premier League.

However, Fernandez’ recent admission about loving life in Glasgow ahead of Rangers’ transfer window will alleviate fears, but his comments have opened another can of worms.

What is Rangers’ new Emmanuel Fernandez problem?

Rangers will want to keep a player of Fernandez’ quality at Ibrox for as long as they can, but they will also be aware of the wider reality.

A player of the centre-back’s quality can bring in a sizeable fee, and in truth it would be incredibly hard to turn any large offer down.

Fears of losing him in the immediate future have been dimmed down by the 24-year-old himself, who stated via the Scotsman: “I love it here.

“I see myself being here. I’ve still got four years left on my contract, whether that’s to run down my contract. I’m happy I’m here. I’m happy to carry on being here.”

Additionally, Rohl’s comments suggest Fernandez will be at Rangers next season too.

However, while the correct emotion to feel would be relief, with Fernandez stating he sees himself in Glasgow for the foreseeable future, the comment about running down his contract releases a new problem for the 49ers.

Unfortunately, the finances in the Scottish Premiership are nowhere near the likes received in England, and if the Gers want to push on and try for European success, player trading is the logical solution.

While it may not be this summer, in the near future, the 49ers will have a tough decision to make.

Sanction a sale while Fernandez’ value is soaring and reinvest the funds into the squad, or hold onto a key player in pursuit of silverware and risk missing out on a substantial fee.

Rangers risk losing control over Emmanuel Fernandez transfer

Another issue with Fernandez potentially running down his contract is that it means Rangers will eventually lose power in negotiations.

Teams will know that the Gers will eventually be left in a difficult position. In a couple of years when the Nigerian international has just one year left, interested parties will seek to use that to their advantage.

Peterborough director of football Barry Fry has previously admitted he believes Fernandez will eventually be sold for £40million.

Low-ball offers are certain to arrive with the Ibrox club faced with a decision as to whether a reduced fee is better than no fee at all.

Overall, this is an issue for another year, but it is still one that the ownership needs to have in mind now.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.