RANGERS Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Rafael Fernandes on loan from LOSC Lille, subject to international clearance.
The 22-year-old defender joins Rangers for the remainder of the 2024/25 season, with an option to make the move permanent. He will come in to provide competition and cover in the defensive line, with an aim to contribute this season and potentially develop into the future, should the club exercise the option on his loan.
A product of Sporting Lisbon’s youth Academy, Fernandes came through the ranks before moving to Primeira Liga side Arouca.
After two seasons in the Portuguese top-flight, he joined LOSC Lille last January. Fernandes has also represented Portugal at U18 and U20 level.
Speaking after joining Rangers, he said: “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.
“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 commented: “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 added: “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.”
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 18, 2025