Big Propper upgrade: Rangers open talks to sign 2nd defender after Coady
da bet7： It is just 40 days since Glasgow Rangers were last in action, drawing 2-2 on the final day of the Premiership season, but they’ll be back very soon at Ibrox, now managed by a new gaffer in the form of Russell Martin.
da winzada777： Rangers’ pre-season schedule commences a week on Saturday, while it is now less than four weeks until competitive action returns to Govan as they enter the second qualifying round of Europe’s premier competition.
By late-July and into August, matches will come thick and fast, Martin’s Premiership debut as Rangers manager coming at Fir Park on Saturday 2 August, hence the need for new signings, and plenty of them, as soon as possible.
Rangers looking to bolster their back line
It is clear that defensive reinforcements at Ibrox are very near the top of Martin’s list of priorities.
Conor Coady is reportedly in talks to join Rangers, while Max Aarons has signed on loan. Rangers are also reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Owen Beck from Liverpool.
Now, according to a report by Football Insider, Rangers have ‘opened talks’ with Peterborough United in an attempt to sign Emmanuel Fernandez, who is valued at around £300k, according to Transfermarkt’s estimations. It’s reported that Martin has already given the green light to complete a deal.
As documented by Samuel Seaman of Pink Un, Norwich City came close to signing Fernandez in January, having a bid accepted before the deal ‘collapsed’ on deadline day.
He references Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony, who forecasted that the Canaries “will try again in the summer”, adding that the defender “has all the attributes needed to have a great career, he wins everything in the air… and can play out with the ball”.
Now though, rather than moving to Norfolk, could the centre-back be on his way north of the border?
Why Emmanuel Fernandez would be an upgrade on Robin Pröpper
As noted by Mark Walker of the Herald, FC Twente manager Joseph Oosting has revealed that he has held talks with Robin Pröpper over a potential move back to Enschede, with Rangers having already agreed to sell him for £1.5m.
Few Rangers supporters are likely to be too devastated to see the Dutchman depart, given that he struggled during his first, and potentially only, season at the club, with Ewan Paton of the Rangers Review asserting that Scottish football is ‘too quick and physical for his capabilities’.
So, would Fernandez be an upgrade? Let’s find out.
Fernandez vs Pröpper 2024/25 comparison
Statistics (per 90)
Fernandez
Pröpper
Appearances
42
43
Minutes
3,407
3,210
Interceptions
0.9
0.9
Tackles
1.1
1.2
Dribbled past per game
0.2
0.4
Clearances
5.8
3.9
% of ground duels won
62.83%
53.25%
% of aerial duels won
76.97%
54%
Average Sofascore Rating
7.20
6.69
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and SofaScore
First and foremost, worth noting that, even though Fernandez was plying his trade in EFL League One, according to Global Football Rankings, England’s third-tier is only ten spots below the Scottish Premiership, ranked 53rd and 43rd respectively.
In terms of the numbers, the Englishman comes out on top for the majority of defensive metrics included, most notably in terms of duels, winning a staggering 77% of his aerial duels across all competitions.
This is partially due to the fact he is 6 foot 4 in, or 194 cms if you prefer, very much an imposing central defender.
Thus, Peterborough chairman, Darragh MacAnthony labelled him a “colossus”, adding “he’s been our best defender this season… he’s a gentle giant off the pitch, but aggressive on it”.
Some extra height and presence is exactly what Rangers require, suggesting the 23-year-old would be an excellent addition.
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