LILLE, France — The French football club Lille has announced the loan of defender Rafael Fernandes to Glasgow Rangers for the remainder of the season.

The young defender, who is 22 years old, made the move to Lille from Sporting Lisbon’s youth academy in January of last year; however, he has yet to see any playtime with the club.

Fernandes has also represented Portugal at various youth levels, showcasing his talent on the international stage.

Rangers have stated that they hold the option to secure a permanent deal for him after the loan period concludes.

In their announcement over the weekend, the Rangers expressed that Fernandes is set to provide depth and competition within their defensive lineup.

They further noted that they expect him to make valuable contributions this season, and he could potentially develop as a long-term asset if the club decides to execute the option to buy after the loan term ends.