Rangers have confirmed the signing of Rafael Fernandes on loan from Lille until the end of the season, with an option to buy.
The 22-year-old joins the club amid a defensive injury crisis, with John Souttar and Dujon Sterling still on the sidelines. Leon Balogun only returned midweek against Aberdeen.
His arrival comes at the perfect time for Philippe Clement, but who is Rangers' new number 28?
Rafael Fernandes Profiled
Still just 22, Fernandes started out at Sporting CP in Portugal, where he rose through the academy ranks. He failed to make any senior appearances for the club, though, before joining Arouca on a free transfer in 2022.
While the defender played just 17 times for the side, his performances impressed enough to earn him a move to Lille in Ligue 1 at the beginning of last year.
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Having only played for their B team so far, however, Fernandes joins Rangers seeking a new lease of life.
A physically imposing centre-half, the five-time capped Portuguese under-20 internationalist stands just shy of 6"3.
Technical Director Nils Koppen is 'sure' Fernandes can develop in Glasgow, as he described him to official club media as an 'exciting young talent'.
Clement says his club's latest signing has 'a lot of potential': only time will tell whether he lives up to it.
