West Ham Plot £21m Move for Rangers Star After Disasi Blow

West Ham United are reportedly preparing a move for Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez after seeing their hopes of re-signing Axel Disasi fade.

The Hammers are keen on Fernandez as they look for defensive reinforcements ahead of the transfer deadline.

According to Football FanCast, West Ham have identified the 24-year-old as a potential alternative after missing out on Disasi.

The Chelsea centre-back spent last season on loan at the London Stadium, and West Ham had been hoping to bring him back on a permanent or temporary deal before the September 1 deadline.

However, Disasi is now reportedly closing in on a loan move to Crystal Palace, bringing an end to West Ham’s hopes of securing his return.

Nuno Espírito Santo is therefore expected to continue strengthening his squad, with another centre-back now appearing to be a priority.

West Ham have already been active in the summer window, bringing in Arne Engels, Manor Solomon and Joel Veltman, while Joel Piroe has also arrived on loan from Leeds United.

West Ham Target Rangers Defender Emmanuel Fernandez

West Ham are now believed to be preparing a move for Fernandez following the collapse of their pursuit of Disasi.

However, the Hammers could face stiff competition from Bayer Leverkusen, who are reportedly further along in their efforts to sign the Rangers defender.

Rangers are understood to value Fernandez at around £21 million, a figure that could test West Ham’s willingness to invest heavily in another player.

The Nigeria international has started both of Rangers’ league matches so far this season, underlining his importance to Danny Röhl’s side.

Fernandez joined Rangers from Peterborough United last summer and made 27 Premiership appearances during the 2025/26 campaign as Rangers finished third in the table.

He is also under contract at Ibrox until June 2029, putting Rangers in a strong negotiating position.

Could Fernandez Be the Right Signing for West Ham?

Fernandez could be an attractive option for Espírito Santo given his defensive qualities and experience in British football.

Last season, he averaged 7.11 clearances, 1.75 tackles and 1.39 interceptions per 90 minutes, while also recording 4.76 recoveries per game.

Those numbers suggest he could provide the defensive strength West Ham are looking for.

However, a deal worth around £21 million would represent another significant investment for the Hammers.

West Ham recently broke the EFL transfer record with their move for Engels from Celtic, meaning another deal around the £20m mark would push their summer spending even higher.

That level of investment would inevitably bring greater expectations, particularly with the club targeting promotion.

There is also the question of whether Fernandez would choose West Ham over Bayer Leverkusen, who can offer European football this season.

Would Emmanuel Fernandez be a good signing for West Ham? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.