Rangers transfer news: Rafael Fernandes arrives on loan from Lille, Gers make first January signing | Football news
Rangers have signed defender Rafael Fernandes on loan until the end of the season.
The 22-year-old joins from French club Lille, and the move includes an option to make it permanent in the summer.
Fernandes came through Sporting Lisbon’s academy before moving to Portuguese club Arouca and then Ligue 1, and will provide more defensive options for boss Philippe Clement after several injuries this season.
Rangers have been searching for a centre-back since December, with John Souttar missing since last month’s draw with Spurs, while Dujon Sterling remains injured and Feyenoord loanee Neraysho Kasanwirjo ruled out for the rest of the season.
“I’m very happy to be here,” he said after sealing the move to Ibrox. “It was a club I wanted to come to since I heard about the interest and I am very happy to finally be here.
“My first impressions are really good, I met some of my colleagues, some of the staff and everyone made it easy for me to start this new challenge.”
Clement added: “He is a young defender who brings with him a lot of qualities that will be an asset to our team for the rest of this season. He has a lot of potential and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Rangers technical director Nils Koppen said: “We have identified the defensive area as one we want to strengthen in this window, and it’s great to be able to add Rafael. I’m sure he can continue to develop his game at Rangers, and we look forward to seeing him it challenges our defensive players for playing time in the weeks and months ahead, and potentially in the seasons ahead.”
Clement: Rangers must sell in January
Gers boss Clement has revealed that the club will have to sell players during this transfer window.
Winger Rabbi Matondo, midfielder Kieran Dowell and striker Cyriel Dessers have been linked with a move away from Ibrox.
He said: “I never talk about individual cases and names like that because it’s always about the right price for each player. It has to be a win-win for everyone.
“It is something that the club will need [to sell players during this window]. It’s the club’s decision, just like this summer. That’s the situation for now.”
