Rangers shock with Youssef Chermiti transfer after loan deal reveal at Ibrox
Rangers made a massive commitment by signing Youssef Chermiti from Everton in the previous transfer window.
The Gers signed the 21-year-old for £8million up front plus £2m in add-ons, representing a significant investment in G51 for a striker who didn’t score a single goal at Goodison Park in two years.
Kevin Thelwell has put his reputation on the line for Chermiti, and the Light Blues’ sporting director will hope the gamble pays off.
While Russell Martin is facing the ire of the Ibrox faithful, other members of the hierarchy are also facing questions after the Glaswegian outfit’s poor start to the season.
Youssef Chermiti loan transfer was an option for Rangers
Chermiti could’ve been signed on loan at the Gers instead of permanently, Mark Guidi says.
The Scottish journalist revealed that the Light Blues decided to go all in for the Portugal Under-21 international at Ibrox instead of opting for an arguably safer route.
Paul Cooney was shocked as he wasn’t aware that the Glaswegian outfit opted against a temporary move for the centre-forward, who was injury-prone at Everton.
- Thelwell signed Chermiti at Everton for £11.5m in 2023.
- The Portuguese youngster recorded zero goals and assists at Goodison Park.
- The Gers made the striker their most expensive signing in 25 years.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 23 September, Guidi said: “I think there was an option to take Chermiti on loan. I believe that a deal could’ve been done just for a loan move without an obligation to buy or whatever. I think they’ve gone right in, and you’ve got to trust their judgement.
“For a club like Rangers to commit to an £8m signing is a big commitment, but it shows the faith Cavenagh has in the hierarchy there. But I was told they could’ve made it a loan deal first and foremost, but decided to go all in.”
Cooney responded: “Wow, that’s the first time we’ve heard that. So that could be significant.”
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Kevin Thewell should leave Ibrox with Russell Martin
Thelwell’s decision to spend such a hefty sum on Chermiti instead of going after proven players like Vaclav Cerny and Abdallah Sima last summer makes no sense.
The Gers’ sporting director signed the Portuguese youngster at Everton, where he undoubtedly flopped, and decided to bring him to Ibrox, which should raise concerns about his judgment.
While the Light Blues needed to bolster their attack after selling Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers, breaking the bank for someone like the former Sporting CP star was arguably a mistake that Thelwell may live to regret.
Martin’s appointment at Rangers should also lead to scrutiny for the decision-makers at Ibrox, as the Scottish manager has endured a challenging start to life in G51 and clearly isn’t the right person to lead them.
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