Manny Fernandez refused to entertain speculation over a transfer away from Rangers this summer, despite ongoing interest in the central defender.
Speaking from the club’s Spanish training camp, the message from the Nigeria international was that there’s work to be done, that he is improving and wants to make the most of the opportunity in front of him.
It was a rollercoaster first season in Glasgow for the former Peterborough defender.
In from the cold under Russell Martin, to emerging and shining with Danny Rohl. Full international honours were received before he was caught in the crossfire of Rangers’ end-of-season capitulation.
His standing and reputation is much improved from the doubt and intrigue that surrounded his arrival at Ibrox last year.
While no transfer bid for his services is thought to be imminent, he has been linked to the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Feyenoord in recent months.
The story continues, says Manny Fernandez
“I just focus on what’s going on here, said Fernandez.
“If you asked me this question a year ago, probably similar to coming here. I just focus on being here. I’ve got four years left here and I want to enjoy it. And I want to win.
“I don’t think my personality will ever change. I think my personality is me. I feel like, obviously, I love acknowledgement.
“I feel like that’s the great thing. And it makes you feel a bit better about yourself.
“I do feel like there’s still more improvement to be made. I feel like right now I’m not the finished product yet. And I feel like there’s still more of the story to go on,” added the man who made the PFA Scotland team of the season.
Adapting to increased expectation and responsibility
The 24-year-old has clearly reflected on the disappointing end to last season, as well as the progress made, personally.
He has provided a professional, yet diplomatic, response to the question of potential transfer interest which cannot be ruled out.
There is firm interest in Manny Fernandez, given his profile and qualities, and that isn’t likely to change into next season.
A blockbuster offer would change the situation immediately but Rangers will not part with their asset easily, given that he has four years left on his existing deal.
As things stand, Manny Fernandez will go into the new campaign as a senior player for Derek McInnes and he will need to adapt to the responsiblity quickly.
He has acknowledged areas of his game where he needs to improve and if he takes care of that, the sky is the limit.
