Updated: 15 May 2026 15:26 BST |
5 min read
Rangers have identified Zalaegerszeg defender Akpe Victory as a potential replacement for in-demand defender Emmanuel Fernandez.
The Nigeria international has been one of the Ibrox club’s standout performers in recent months, even if it has, on the whole, been a disappointing season for the Glasgow giants.
Fernandez, who only joined from Peterborough last summer for €2.9 million, could be on the move again after just one year. He certainly has no shortage of interest. Suitors from around Europe are being linked with a move for the 24-year-old.
Even the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea have been associated with Fernandez, though this seems a step too big for him at this stage. Similarly, the €40m asking price that has been touted also appears fanciful.
Still, an exit of Fernandez appears realistic, perhaps even likely. As a result, Rangers are looking at long-term replacements, and an exciting prospect has emerged in Hungary.
Rangers to bid for Victory
According to Ben Jacobs, Rangers are “close” to making a bid for Zalaegerszeg centre-back Akpe Victory, a 19-year-old Nigerian centre-back who was playing in Lithuania until January.
It is claimed that a bid north of €5m is in the offing, with Rangers seemingly in pole position to secure his signature at present. Benfica and clubs from France, Germany and Spain have also shown an interest in Victory.
Player Search > Similar to > Emmanuel Fernandez > Akpe Victory.
19-years-old
6’5
82.05% defensive duels and 63.83% aerial duels won.Impressed in Lithuania and now in Hungary, also normally a good sign if Benfica are interested too. pic.twitter.com/ShLp170yUp
— Kai Watson (@KaiGWatson) May 15, 2026
Kai Watson points out that Victory has a similar statistical profile to Fernandez, so it seems likely that he is being eyed as a possible replacement for his compatriot. The youngster has a contract with ZTE until 2028, with the option for a further season.
Victory played in the Europa Conference League qualifiers at the start of the season while still at Banga in Lithuania, losing to Rosenberg across two legs. Since joining ZTE, he has made eight starts and four substitute appearances, scoring once.
Other Rangers transfer news
In other news, Rangers will have to find a different solution for striker Danilo, as he is set to return to Ibrox after his loan spell at NEC in the Netherlands. De Telegraaf reports that Nijmegen will not exercise their purchase option.
The 27-year-old Brazilian left the Gers in February after scoring three goals in the first half of the season. However, the former Feyenoord man’s return to the Eredivisie has not gone as expected.
NEC have enjoyed a great season, so he has found it difficult to break into the team, even with results turning sour recently. He has played just 270 minutes across 11 appearances, scoring once.
Unsurprisingly, then, the Dutch side will not sign him permanently. Rangers will have to find Danilo a new club this summer.
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