Rangers have enjoyed a robust beginning to the transfer window so far, and it won’t be long until Russell Martin faces his first competitive challenge.
The new Gers manager will confront Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifier on Tuesday (22 July).
All eight of Martin’s new acquisitions could participate in the qualifier, with pressure potentially mounting on the Rangers boss should the Gers end with an unfavorable outcome.
Young defender Emmanuel Fernandez could make his initial competitive start at Ibrox, with one of Sky Sports’ analysts endorsing the defender to achieve significant success in Glasgow.
Darren Ferguson has crafted the ‘perfect’ signing for Rangers – Gareth Ainsworth:
Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough sold Fernandez to Rangers for approximately £3.5million.
The Nigerian defender has been joined at Ibrox by Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons, but the 23-year-old made the most notable impact in the Light Blues’ 2-2 draw with Club Brugge.
He has now been hailed as the “perfect” signing for Rangers by Sky Sports pundit and Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth.
Speaking to the Daily Record (20 July), Gareth Ainsworth said: “The timing for Manny’s move to Rangers is perfect. I believe he can now go to Glasgow and achieve some fantastic things.
“He has the temperament to deal with whatever comes his way. He is a calm individual and I don’t think there is much that fazes him.
“His time at Peterborough has set him up well, and having worked with Darren [Ferguson, manager] will be a huge advantage – you can’t be a shrinking violet when Darren’s around.
“You need to have a bit of personality and something about you to play for Darren.”
Ainsworth also mentioned how Fernandez spent some time on trial with Wycombe when he was in charge.
Ainsworth said he regrets not signing the then 16-year-old but is pleased the defender has found his footing in the sport.
Fernandez’s performance could signal the end for Davies’ tenure with Rangers:
If Fernandez continues to excel as he did against Brugge, it might indicate that Ben Davies’ time in Glasgow is nearing its conclusion.
The defender already appeared to be treading carefully at Ibrox after Martin prioritized adding defensive support, but the more acclaim Fernandez receives, the further Davies will drop in the lineup.
Departures are almost certain for the Gers in the coming weeks, with the likes of Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane absent during preseason amid rumors of moves elsewhere.