Report: Rangers Defender Back On West Ham Radar

By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)

Perhaps this is a case of putting two and two together and getting five, but West Ham have been linked with a move for Rangers central defender Emmanuel Fernandez.

The Hammers are due to play the Glasgow giants on 26 July and Football Insider have claimed the friendly is an opportunity to scout one of their players.

Hmmm, not so sure about that.

“Championship Side West Ham”

Anyway, the website started with a reality check that we are very much a second-tier team, saying:

“Championship side West Ham United are set to closely monitor Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez during their upcoming preseason encounter as the club considers a potential move for the highly-rated centre-back this summer, according to Football Insider.”

Championship side? Ouch.

Fair enough, I guess. It just feels weird reading it.

One Fernandes Out, One Fernandez In?

It could be a case of one Fernandes out and a Fernandez in if the reports are to be believed.

And it’s not the first time the Hammers have been linked with the player.

Back in the winter window, before Axel Disasi was brought in with great success, the Rangers centre-back was very much on Nuno Espírito Santo’s wishlist alongside Charlie Cresswell.

Which makes this one feel suspiciously like an old story being dusted off and given another run out.

But who knows? Stranger things have happened.

Rumour Season In Full Swing

The most bizarre thing I read today was that West Ham were in discussions to bring Disasi back to the London Stadium.

Of course, that’s inconceivable now, but it just goes to show how many rumours are floating around at present.

And with West Ham still putting together their recruitment structure, I’d be taking plenty of these stories with a pinch of salt.