Rangers told they should have signed Abdallah Sima and Vaclav Cerny after £10m reveal
Rangers are still facing scrutiny for their transfer windows, despite the huge ownership investment under Russell Martin.
Martin is dangerously close to being sacked following Rangers’ 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Ibrox, despite spending over £20million in the summer.
Rangers were again linked with Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland, and it was his two goals that compounded Martin’s misery, with Rangers now sitting 10th in the Scottish Premiership.
With their recruitment being undoubtedly questioned, Ally McCoist was baffled by some of Kevin Thelwell’s decisions in the transfer window.
Ally McCoist wishes Abdallah Sima and Vaclav Cerny remained at Rangers
Speaking on talkSPORT on 15 September, McCoist was adamant that Rangers’ recruitment was full of risks over the summer, and suggested that the Ibrox club should’ve signed two former players permanently instead.
He said: “I would’ve got Sima, and I would’ve got Cerny, instead of taking a £10m gamble on Youssef Chermiti.
“They’re two players that can perform at Rangers, they know the league, they know the club, and they’ve played well for Rangers in the past.”
Chermiti joined Rangers on deadline day for £10m, with the fee raising eyebrows amongst supporters.
He did not score a goal for Everton in his two years at the Merseyside club, yet Thelwell still pushed for the move to go through.
On the other hand, Cerny and Sima both had very successful spells at Rangers, with both players only staying at Ibrox for one season on loan.
| Sima | Stat | Cerny |
| 2023/24 | Season | 2024/25 |
| 40 | Appearances | 52 |
| 16 | Goals | 18 |
| 2 | Assists | 9 |
Cerny has gotten off to a great start with Besiktas this season, whilst Sima has moved to Lens in France.
It’s clear that these players were unwanted by their parent clubs, and it’s such a shame that Rangers didn’t sign them permanently, despite having money finally available.
Kevin Thelwell could leave alongside Russell Martin
Rangers continue to back Martin, but it’s clear to see that time is up with the fans.
The boring style of play and the ongoing feud involving Nico Raskin have hurt Martin’s credibility at the club, yet it may also hurt Thelwell’s.
Thelwell previously stated that he would resign if Martin was sacked too early; however, with the proceedings at Ibrox deteriorating, the club may need to consider finding a new sporting director as well.
Thelwell’s sell at the club has been disastrous so far, and you must wonder what Andrew Cavenagh must be thinking.
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