Rangers‘ transfer business is yet to reach completion ahead of deadline day at the end of the month. The Gers still have a number of incomings in their sights and rumours suggest they could be about to lose Youssef Chermiti.
The forward only arrived at Ibrox 12 months ago and enjoyed a solid debut campaign, scoring 15 goals in the Scottish Premiership. That record did nothing to shield against criticism, however, and Rangers have since added to his woes by welcoming Lawrence Shankland from Hearts.
|
Category |
Youssef Chermiti |
Lawrence Shankland |
|---|---|---|
|
Age |
22 |
30 |
|
Position |
Centre-forward |
Centre-forward |
|
Profile |
Athletic, developing modern No. 9 |
Proven goalscorer and penalty-box striker |
|
Best role |
Mobile striker / Pressing forward |
Traditional No. 9 / Finisher |
|
Key strengths |
Pace, power, movement in behind, ball carrying, physical presence |
Elite finishing, positioning, composure, goal instinct |
|
Weaknesses |
Needs more consistency and experience in front of goal |
Less pace and limited ability to threaten in transitions |
|
Best system |
Fast-paced team that attacks space |
Possession-based side needing a clinical finisher |
|
Ceiling |
Higher long-term potential |
Reliable short-term goalscorer |
With Derek McInnes in the dugout and Shankland taking the captain’s armband on arrival, it’s likely that Chermiti will be watching on from the bench if he stays this summer.
If reports are anything to go by, then that is not a role he’s willing to settle for with Galatasaray now swooping in to land his signature this month.
Galatasaray finalise Youssef Chermiti deal
According to Turkish commentator and journalist Haber Sari Kirmizi, as relayed by Sport Witness, Galatasaray have ‘finalised’ their move to sign Chermiti from Rangers. Kirmizi mentioned the Ibrox forward as part of a flurry of three transfers, with manager Okan Buruk believed to be a huge fan of the former Everton man.
“The reason for this activity is Batrakov. It seems the Can Uzun deal is done. It appears that the transfers of Can Uzun, Batrakov, and Chermiti – have been finalised. Okan Buruk really wants Chermiti; he is his primary target.”
There remain question marks about the finances involved to make a deal happen, but if Rangers have seen their initial asking price matched, then they could be getting upwards of £10m this month.
The move would also bring Chermiti’s time in Scotland to a premature end and leave 30-year-old Shankland to lead the line in McInnes’ first season at the club.
Rangers outbid Celtic in Fares Ghedjemis race
Of course, the sale of Chermiti could fund further incomings for all involved at Ibrox. And that could see Fares Ghedjemis arrive. The Gers have already outbid Celtic in the race to sign the winger, but have been told by Frosinone to pay as much as £17m if they want to secure his signature.
For the time being, that is likely out of Rangers’ reach. However, should they earn over £10m in a deal to sell Chermiti, then a move for Ghedjemis could become all the more realistic.
