“Rangers SLAM £2.7M Deal for Star Player as 49ers Plot JAW-DROPPING £120M Leeds United Takeover!”
Rangers’ Quiet January Window Raises Eyebrows Amid Squad Struggles in Domestic and European Campaigns
Even back in January, Rangers’ chances of clinching the Scottish Premiership were slim. However, their hopes in the Scottish Cup and Europa League could have benefited from further reinforcements.
Instead, the club made just one addition—Rafael Fernandes—who joined on loan from Lille. Despite the hype, the Portuguese defender played only 90 minutes over four appearances.
Rangers have now confirmed they will not be activating the £2.7 million option to make Fernandes’ move permanent.
The 22-year-old will return to France after a short and uneventful spell in Glasgow.
Fernandes is one of six players officially released by Rangers at the close of the season. He arrived under Philippe Clement in January but managed only one start, which came in the disappointing Scottish Cup loss to Queen’s Park.
His inability to cement a spot in a faltering backline—one that conceded two or more goals in eight consecutive matches—highlighted his struggles to adapt.
His departure follows Leon Balogun’s announcement that he is leaving the club, with Rangers now formally confirming the Nigerian defender’s exit.
Midfielder Tom Lawrence and playmaker Ianis Hagi are also departing after reaching the end of their contracts.
Additionally, loan deals for Vaclav Cerny and Neraysho Kasanwirjo have expired, and both have now left the club.
With significant changes underway at Ibrox, Rangers are bracing for a transformative summer. Backed by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, the club is expected to receive a financial boost.
Former chairman Dave King has stated that, should the American-led investment go through, Rangers will have “substantial” funds available for the upcoming transfer window.
The club has already been linked to potential defensive reinforcements, including Ipswich Town’s Cameron Burgess and Kevin Boma of Estoril.
Supporters will be encouraged by reports of fresh financial backing for Leeds United—owned by the 49ers—who are reportedly preparing a £120 million injection to strengthen their Premier League squad.
With the same investors involved at Ibrox, Rangers fans are hopeful that similar ambition and spending power will be brought north of the border. The coming months could mark a pivotal period of rebuilding for the club.
