Rangers finally got their first January signing over the line this week.
Rafael Fernandes was confirmed as a new Gers player as he officially made the six-month loan switch from Lille to Ibrox.
Fernandes, 22, touched down in Glasgow during the week to finalise his move having not played a single game this season at his parent club following his £2.5million move from Arouca last year.
Philippe Clement has been seeking a centre-half and now game time should not be too difficult for the Portuguese defender to come by at Rangers.
The club have been urged to drop Robin Propper by several pundits as he has taken time to settle.
Fernandes is a graduate of the iconic Sporting Lisbon academy and a former Portugal under-20s star and his reputation as a silky defender comes with him to the Light Blues.
Rafael Fernandes was taken around Auchenhowie and Ibrox
And earlier today it was all systems go behind the scenes for the player and club staff as his ‘signing day’ was published on the club’s YouTube, social media and TV channels.
Fernandes met with his teammates including Brazilian pair Danilo and Jefte who were both seemingly delighted to welcome another Portuguese speaker.
Doctor Mark Waller put the centre-back through medical tests including an ultrasound on his leg muscles to ensure there were no issues and it was then all about meeting the rest of the staff.
Footage from the club’s video showed the moment Fernandes embraced manager Clement as well as greeting Nils Koppen and the media team as well as other players before he was taken through the gym.
The player was then whisked away by scout Fraser Murray from Auchenhowie to visit Ibrox where he met his agent and family before he was taken through his photo shoot.
And when the goal celebration pics and GIFs were all sorted, all that was left was for the stopper to sit in the changing room with the Gers scarf around his neck at his jersey hanger.
What Rangers boss Philippe Clement said about Fernandes
Clement was pleased to bring Fernandes to the club on an initial loan switch but the club has the option to buy on a permanent basis if the player impresses.
And the Belgian reckons Fernandes has plenty of potential to work with.
The boss said on signing the player: “I am really pleased to welcome Rafael to the squad.
“He is a young defender who brings with him a lot of qualities which will be an asset for our team for the remainder of this season.
“He has a lot of potential, and I am looking forward to working with him.”
