In the midst of a transfer market, trying to make sense of the many, many rumours – take those swirling around Rangers’ head, for instance – can be almost impossible.
And isn’t it typical of the way things operate these days that, despite spending much of January being linked with a host of potential transfer targets, Rangers’ first and so far only acquisition arrived like a bolt from the blue with next to no warning?
Rangers signed Rafael Fernandes on loan from LOSC Lille on Saturday. A speedily-completed and under-the-radar acquisition few in the media saw coming.
In the process, Fernandes’ arrival seemed to draw a line under a rumoured crossing of the border for Hjalmar Ekdal.
Hjalmar Ekdal set for Groningen as Rangers sign Rafael Fernandes
Rangers were linked with the Burnley defender via reports from Ekdal’s Scandinavian homeland. Things never went any further than those initial claims, however. And the common consensus now is that the seven-time Sweden international will instead move to the Netherlands.
According to Expressen, Ekdal is set to join Eredivisie outfit FC Groningen.
Expressen do back up suggestions that Ekdal – who has been hit by injuries since joining Burnley in a £2.5 million deal two years ago – was on Rangers’ list. As well as those of Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers and a handful of Serie A clubs.
A Groningen side sitting perilously above the relegation zone in the Dutch top flight looks to be Ekdal’s destination instead, however.
And, considering that Ekdal has been restricted to just 14 Burnley starts in two years due to hamstring and knee issues, fellow centre-back Rafael Fernandes may not only be a younger option but a more low-risk, high-reward alternative as well.
Fernandes arrives having not played a single minute of Ligue 1 football for Lille this term. But, at just 22 years of age, the former Portugal Under-21 stopper brings considerable potential; A raw talent that can be moulded at Ibrox.
Nils Koppen, the technical director who masterminded such signings as Hamza Igamane and Jefte, thinks Rangers have pulled off another ‘exciting’ signing with Rafael Fernandes.
Burnley manager Scott Parker says Ekdal can leave Turf Moor
Ekdal, four years his senior and left out of the Burnley squad once again for Friday’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland, would have joined mid-season amid major concerns not only over his lack of match sharpness but also an injury record that would strike fear into the hearts of many a scout.
Burnley boss Paul Parker confirmed that Hjalmar Ekdal could leave Turf Moor, alongside Hannes Delcroix, when asked about his future on Friday.
“There may be an option there, yes,” Parker. “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.”
As for Fernandes – the former Sporting Lisbon talent brings a ‘remarkable’ drive for self-improvement to Rangers – he may have to bide his time at Rangers.
Clement feels Fernandes will ‘several attributes’ to Ibrox. Useful attributes, too.
“He’s fast,” Clement explains. “He can do good passing, he’s powerful, he’s young and athletic.”
But the Belgian is keen to avoid chucking Fernandes into the team before he is ready, meaning the Rangers supporters may have to wait patiently to see their winter addition in action.
