In a bold and calculated move that underlines their ambition ahead of the 2025–26 campaign, Rangers Football Club pulled off a significant double signing, securing Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell and Peterborough United defender Emmanuel Fernandez on the same day. The acquisitions reflect the club’s focused approach in strengthening key areas of the squad and signal manager Philippe Clement’s intent to return Rangers to the summit of Scottish football, both domestically and in European competition.
This long-form piece delves into the details of both transfers, analyses the players’ profiles and their potential impact at Ibrox, and explores how these additions fit into Rangers’ tactical vision as they prepare for a crucial season.
A Transfer Statement Two Arrivals in One Day
Announced in quick succession, the double signing of Rothwell and Fernandez took fans and analysts by surprise, not necessarily because of the players involved, but due to the strategic timing and the areas they bolster. Rothwell, 30, arrives from Bournemouth on a free transfer, having spent the previous season on loan at Southampton, while Fernandez, 23, joins on a permanent basis from League One side Peterborough for a reported fee of around £800,000.
Rothwell signed a three-year deal with the club, bringing Premier League and Championship experience into a midfield that at times last season lacked consistency and composure. Meanwhile, Fernandez adds depth and versatility to the defensive line, an area where Rangers were exposed due to injuries and suspensions in the previous campaign.
Both players arrived at Rangers’ Auchenhowie training facility for medicals and were officially unveiled within hours of each other, showcasing the club’s efficient backroom operation and commitment to getting business done early in the window.
Joe Rothwell Creativity Energy and Experience
Joe Rothwell began his professional career at Manchester United, where he came through the youth ranks but failed to make a senior appearance. His breakthrough came at Oxford United before he moved to Blackburn Rovers in 2018. During his time at Ewood Park, Rothwell developed into one of the Championship’s more creative central midfielders.
At Blackburn, he made 161 appearances, scoring 10 goals and registering over 20 assists. His performances caught the attention of Premier League side Bournemouth, who snapped him up in 2022. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Rothwell struggled to cement a starting role at the Cherries and was loaned to Southampton for the latter half of the 2024–25 season.
Now, at Rangers, Rothwell has a chance to reignite his career. He brings with him a blend of ball progression, dribbling ability, and tactical intelligence. Philippe Clement has made it clear that he sees Rothwell as a key piece in his midfield puzzle.
“Joe is a player who can carry the ball through the thirds, link play, and create in tight spaces. He brings maturity, Premier League experience, and technical quality,” said Clement in the official club announcement.
Rothwell is expected to play as an advanced midfielder in Clement’s 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, capable of operating as a number 8 or 10. His ability to glide past opponents and pick out incisive passes could be instrumental in unlocking stubborn Scottish Premiership defenses.
Emmanuel Fernandez A Raw Talent with Tremendous Upside
While Rothwell brings experience and polish, Emmanuel Fernandez represents potential and raw ability. Standing at 6’3″ and possessing strong aerial prowess, Fernandez is a left-footed centre-back who has been quietly impressing scouts in England’s lower leagues.
His journey has been anything but conventional. Born in England to Spanish heritage, Fernandez was initially part of the Brentford academy before stints at Gillingham and then Peterborough. It was at Peterborough that he began to emerge as a reliable defender, particularly in the 2024–25 season, where he featured in 35 games and helped the team reach the League One playoffs.
Known for his calmness on the ball, solid tackling, and positional awareness, Fernandez has been compared to players like Gabriel Magalhães of Arsenal due to his physicality and left-sided profile. Rangers have reportedly beaten several Championship clubs to his signature.
“Emmanuel is a player we’ve been tracking for some time. He’s young, coachable, and has the kind of profile that fits our long-term vision,” said Director of Football Recruitment, Nils Koppen.
Fernandez’s signing also gives Clement a natural left-sided centre-back option, something Rangers lacked last season following Ben Davies’ inconsistent form and injury woes. The hope is that Fernandez can challenge for a starting role while learning alongside more seasoned defenders like Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun.
Tactical Implications Shaping Clement’s Squad
These two additions fit into a broader tactical overhaul that Clement is expected to implement this season. Having been appointed midway through the 2024 campaign, the Belgian manager had limited time to stamp his philosophy on the team. Now, with a full pre-season and transfer backing, Clement is reshaping Rangers in his image.
- Midfield Reinvention: Rothwell’s arrival likely signals a more dynamic and progressive midfield. Combined with the likes of Todd Cantwell, Nico Raskin, and John Lundstram (if he stays), Rangers now have multiple profiles to adapt to different opponents. Rothwell adds line-breaking runs and final-third quality, particularly useful against low blocks.
- Defensive Solidity and Build-up: Fernandez offers balance in possession, allowing Rangers to build out from the back more effectively. His passing range and composure under pressure align with Clement’s philosophy of playing out rather than clearing long. His left-footedness naturally opens passing lanes that complement Goldson’s more dominant right-footed distribution.
- Squad Depth: Injuries derailed Rangers’ title challenge last season. These signings provide much-needed squad depth without sacrificing quality. Fernandez’s addition allows for defensive rotation in domestic cups and Europe, while Rothwell’s versatility ensures Clement has a reliable option for both attacking and transitional phases.
Fan and Media Reaction
The response from the Rangers faithful has been largely positive. On social media, fans praised the club’s proactive approach and the balance of experience and potential represented by the two signings.
One supporter on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Rothwell is the kind of player we’ve been missing in midfield — someone who can link things up and take risks. And Fernandez? Young, physical, left-footed? Great bit of business!”
Pundits also highlighted the club’s strategy. BBC Scotland’s sports analyst Tom English noted, “This feels like a calculated window for Rangers. They’re not going after headline names, but rather smart, positionally sound players who improve the squad.”
Celtic’s dominance in recent seasons has placed pressure on Rangers to get recruitment spot-on. Last season’s near misses in the Scottish Cup and Europa Conference League only emphasized the need for reinforcements. With these early moves, the message from Ibrox is clear: the rebuild is in motion.
A Summer of Further Additions
While Rothwell and Fernandez are the first through the door, they are unlikely to be the last. Rangers are reportedly in talks with several other targets, including a striker to replace Cyriel Dessers, who is rumored to be heading to Turkey, and a right-back to offer competition to James Tavernier.
Clement has been given the green light by the board to revamp the squad, with an emphasis on players aged 22–28 with high ceilings and sell-on value. The club’s model, increasingly data-driven under Koppen’s leadership, prioritizes efficiency and long-term growth over short-term splurges.
Loan exits are also expected. Players like Alex Lowry and Zak Lovelace could be sent out to gain experience, while veterans such as Ryan Jack may see their roles reduced or reassessed.
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