Rangers sign Lille defender Rafael Fernandes on loan
Rangers have completed the signing of Lille defender Rafael Fernandes on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The Ibrox side also hold the option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Fernandes came through the youth ranks at Sporting CP in his native Portugal before making the switch to Arouca.
Six months later he made the move to France to join Lille - where he is yet to make an appearance for their senior side.
Fernandes told the club's official website: “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 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 said: “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.”