Rangers have announced the signing of defender Rafael Fernandes on loan from Ligue 1 club Lille, subject to international clearance.
The 22-year-old centre-back joins the Glaswegian giants for the remainder of the season, and there is an option for the deal to be made permanent in the summer.
Fernandes, who will wear the No.28 at Ibrox, is hoping to get his career back on track after a frustrating 12-month spell with French side Lille.
The Portugal Under-20 international came through the youth ranks at Sporting Lisbon before moving to Primeira Liga side Arouca in 2022.
After two seasons in the Portuguese top flight, the defender opted to join Lille in January last year for a reported €3m, but he is still yet to make his first-team debut for the club, instead featuring just five times for their B team.
Fernandes did not think twice about joining Rangers, albeit on a temporary basis for now, and is keen to begin "a new challenge" in Scotland.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 18, 2025
"I am very happy to be here, it was a club I wanted to come to since I heard about the interest, and I am really happy to finally to be here," Fernandes told Rangers' official website following confirmation of his loan move.
"My first impressions have been really good, I met some of my colleagues, some of the staff and all of them made me comfortable to start this new challenge".
Manager Philippe Clement added: "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."
Technical Director Nils Koppen continued: "It is fantastic to have Rafael joining Rangers for the remainder of the season and he is another exciting young talent to add to our squad.
"We identified the defensive area as one we wanted to strengthen this window, and it is great to be able to add Rafael. I am sure he can continue to develop his game at Rangers, and I look forward to seeing him challenging our defensive players for playing time in the weeks and months ahead, and potentially into the seasons ahead also."
Could Fernandes make debut against Man United?
It remains to be seen whether Fernandes has been registered in time for Rangers' Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at home to Fraserburgh on Sunday.
The defender could instead don the Blue and White of the Gers for the first time when Clement's side travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in the Europa League next Thursday.
Oliver Thomas
