Rangers forward Youssef Chermiti is set to miss a substantial amount of time due to an ACL injury sustained during Sunday's loss to Hibernian. The 22-year-old was forced off the pitch in the first half after colliding with the pitchside boards and was later seen leaving the stadium wearing a boot and knee brace. This development comes after Rangers rejected a significant bid from Galatasaray for Chermiti's services.
In response to his injury, the club is exploring options to sign another forward before the transfer window closes. Among the potential targets, Ryan from Sheffield United has been ruled out despite previous reports. Chermiti, a U21 Portugal international, joined Rangers from Everton last summer for a deal worth up to £10m and had a successful first season, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists across all competitions.
His value to the club is now considered higher than the record fee received for Calvin Bassey's transfer to Ajax. Following Sunday's defeat, Rangers manager Derek McInnes expressed his disappointment for Chermiti, highlighting the player's potential and the impact of his absence on the team. Rangers have been active in the transfer market, making nine signings so far, with plans to add more players, including a left-back, due to an injury to Tuur Rommens.
The club is assessing various targets, including Jayden Meghoma from Brentford and James Penrice from AEK, although the latter's club is hesitant about a loan deal. Additionally, talks are ongoing with Aston Villa for right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic, and there is interest in Hugo Siquet, but Club Brugge is reluctant to sell. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh has confirmed that the club aims to sign three to five more players before the transfer window closes on September 3.
The first of these signings is expected to be winger Couhaib Driouech, who is completing his medical and paperwork for a £6.5m move from PSV. Driouech's signing will be the club's 10th arrival this summer, beating out competition from Burnley and Celta Vigo.
He scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists for PSV last season. Meanwhile, midfielder Mohamed Diomande is expected to leave the club, with Turkish side Corum FK set to sign him for around £4.5m.