Glasgow Rangers sealed their first summer signing at Ibrox earlier this week, announcing the arrival of defender Max Aarons on a season-long loan deal.
Russell Martin is under no illusions that the next few weeks are vital. But by bringing in several high-profile targets, he sets up the Light Blues nicely ahead of the Champions League qualifiers against Panathinaikos next month.
The capture of Aarons badly bolsters a defence which, at times last season, performed dreadfully, having shipped 15 more goals than their Glasgow rivals in the Premiership.
Supporters will be hoping that Martin can add another centre-back or two before the first competitive game of the season to improve that record in an attempt to close the gap.
It looks as though he is monitoring a player down south…
Rangers search for a new defender
Leicester City defender Conor Coady has been earmarked for a move to Glasgow, with one report claiming the club are in advanced talks to secure his signature.
Luka Jelenic is another defender linked with a move, although he is a left-back rather than someone who can play at the heart of the defence.
According to the Daily Record, it is reported that Peterborough defender Emmanuel Fernandez is currently on the club’s radar as Martin seeks more defensive reinforcements.
No fee has been mentioned, but the centre-back still has two years remaining on his contract with the English side, meaning Martin will have to spend it to secure his signature.
If he can add Fernandez to his squad in the coming weeks, it would be another step forward regarding Martin’s aim to improve the defence. Not only that, but he could shine alongside Aarons.
Why Rangers must sign Emmanuel Fernandez
Joining from Bournemouth on a temporary basis, Aarons will offer competition for James Tavernier at right back next term, and he has plenty of experience in England.
Game time was limited last term, but throughout the 2023/24 season for the Cherries, Aarons won 60% of his ground duels per game, while also succeeding with 54% of his dribbles and recovering 3.8 balls per game.
|
Max Aarons’ career statistics |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Games |
Goals |
Assists |
|
2024/25 (Bournemouth and Valencia) |
9 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023/24 (Bournemouth) |
21 |
0 |
1 |
|
2022/23 (Norwich) |
48 |
1 |
2 |
|
2021/22 (Norwich) |
35 |
0 |
2 |
|
2020/21 (Norwich) |
47 |
2 |
2 |
|
2019/20 (Norwich) |
40 |
0 |
2 |
|
2018/19 (Norwich) |
43 |
3 |
6 |
He even ranked in the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90 in the Premier League that term, showcasing his attacking abilities.
A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.
This could mean Aarons is able to create plenty of chances for the Light Blues next term. With him bombing up and down the flank, Fernandez will be tasked with covering his runs.
The English centre-back was hailed as a “colossus” and “aggressive” by Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony last season, and given his stats, this praise is spot on.
Indeed, the 23-year-old won an impressive 60% of his total duels last term, along with making 1.1 tackles and being dribbled past only 0.3 times per match.
As such, he offers plenty of quality defensive attributes which would help the Ibrox side shore up their defence. With Aarons likely to be pushing forward often, Fernandez will be tasked with tucking in and providing cover, providing an exciting, new-look partnership on that right-hand side.
He may have played in League One last season, but there is no doubt Fernandez and Aarons could work wonderfully alongside each other for Rangers, both domestically and in Europe.
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