Rangers are pursuing Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron, but it appears Lille defender Rafael Fernandes could be signed first, according to Chris Jack.
The Rangers Review journalist reported on 17 January that a deal for Cameron is in progress, with Dundee requiring compensation if he leaves at the end of his contract. However, securing Fernandes, a 22-year-old defender, is currently the club’s priority, with negotiations ongoing.
While progress on Fernandes seems promising, it’s crucial for Rangers to also focus on signing an attacker. Cameron, a talented midfielder, is expected to join Ibrox once his contract expires in the summer.
The immediate concern, however, is reinforcing the attack, particularly if Cyriel Dessers departs. Danilo’s latest injury setback raises questions about his availability, and although Hamza Igamane has proven his quality, relying on him for every game isn’t feasible.
Rangers may also consider signing a strong number nine, which could allow Igamane to shift to the left wing—a position where he has excelled.
Rafael Fernandes lands in Glasgow for Rangers move
Rafael Fernandes has reportedly arrived in Scotland to finalize a loan move to Rangers.
Philippe Clement is eager to bolster his injury-ravaged defense, and Portuguese defender Fernandes is being considered an affordable solution to the ongoing defensive crisis. Clement faces uncertainty over Robin Propper’s availability for Sunday’s Scottish Cup opener against Highland League side Fraserburgh, while John Souttar and Nana Kasanwirjo remain sidelined.
Fernandes, a 22-year-old former Sporting Lisbon trainee, was reportedly given a tour of Ibrox on Friday as discussions took place with Lille regarding a six-month loan deal. Signed from Portuguese top-flight club Arouca for €3 million last year, Fernandes has yet to break into Lille’s first team. Rangers scouts see the 6’3″ centre-back as a promising ball-playing option who could fit into Clement’s plans. It’s unclear if the agreement will include an option to make the move permanent.
Meanwhile, Propper and goalkeeper Jack Butland are in a race to recover in time for Rangers’ Europa League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford next Thursday. Butland required hospital treatment last month for a leg bleed, while Propper sustained an ankle injury against Aberdeen.
On a positive note, captain James Tavernier and veteran defender Leon Balogun returned to action during Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Aberdeen, offering some relief to the backline.
Another potential defensive target is Burnley’s Hjalmar Ekdal. The Swedish defender, who joined from Djurgarden in a £2.5 million deal in January 2023, has struggled to secure game time under Scott Parker after an injury earlier this season. Swedish outlet Expressen recently linked Rangers to the 26-year-old, and Parker has hinted there could be an opportunity to offload Ekdal and his teammate Hannes Delcroix as they seek more playing time.
He said: “There may be an option there, yes. I mean, both players really have got the quality to play football. They are both very, very good football players.
“From my position, of course I’d love to keep them here and be part of things. But I also understand what stage they’re at and whether game time is a big thing for them, which I’m sure it is.
“They want to try and play some minutes and it’s a position in our squad that we are pretty stacked in terms of defenders, so there may be an option there.”
