West Ham target Emmanuel Fernandez in Scottish Premiership transfer chase

West Ham United have entered the race to sign Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez as they search for defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes. The 25-year-old Nigeria international has attracted interest from Italy’s Atalanta and Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen, but West Ham are currently regarded as the strongest contenders for his signature.

Fernandez’s future has been uncertain throughout the summer, although he has remained with Rangers and started the new campaign in Glasgow. Rangers are seeking to end Celtic’s dominance of Scottish football, while Fernandez has continued to be part of the squad despite the growing attention around his situation. No agreement has been finalised, leaving the defender’s next move unresolved as the window enters its final days.

West Ham’s interest is linked to their need for a centre-back after relegation from the Premier League. The London club finished in the bottom three last season and are now trying to secure an immediate return to the top flight. Strengthening the defence has become a priority, particularly after their failure to make French defender Axel Disasi’s loan move permanent.

Disasi spent the second half of last season at Crystal Palace, who are now close to securing him on a permanent basis. That has forced West Ham to widen their search for defensive options, with Fernandez emerging as one of the principal targets. The Hammers are understood to be prepared to meet Rangers’ valuation of around £21 million.

A transfer at that level would make Fernandez the most expensive player sold in Rangers’ history. It would surpass the £19.3 million received from Fulham for fellow Nigeria international Calvin Bassey in 2023. The potential fee therefore gives the deal significance beyond West Ham’s rebuilding plans and would establish a new benchmark for a Rangers departure.

Fernandez became one of Rangers’ most important players during his first season at Ibrox. He arrived from English lower-league club Peterborough and was relatively unknown, but overcame a slow start to make 33 appearances in all competitions. He scored six goals from defence and was named Rangers’ Men’s Player of the Season. He was also the club’s only representative in the PFA Team of the Season.

His form has been less consistent at the start of the current campaign. Fernandez has appeared in six matches across all competitions but has faced scrutiny over some performances and has not reproduced the level he reached last term. His composure in possession and threat from set pieces remain important parts of his game, however, and those qualities help explain why three clubs from major European leagues are monitoring him.

The competition for his signature means the final decision may depend on which club is willing to satisfy Rangers’ valuation. Atalanta would offer a route into Italian football, while Bayer Leverkusen provide another option in Germany. West Ham’s case is built around an immediate role in their promotion campaign and the chance for Fernandez to continue his development in England. For now, the London club lead the pursuit, but Fernandez remains a Rangers player and the transfer is still to be completed.