Rangers’ forward Youssef Chermiti has been ruled out for "a significant period of time" after sustaining a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during Sunday's loss to Hibernian at Ibrox. The 22‑year‑old striker was forced to leave the pitch in the first half after a hard collision with the pitch‑side advertising boards, and he was seen exiting the stadium wearing a protective boot and a knee brace. The injury news broke just hours after the club disclosed that it had turned down a substantial offer from Turkish side Galatasaray for Chermiti.
According to sources at Sky Sports News, Rangers are now actively searching for another attacking option as the summer transfer window draws to a close, especially in light of the striker’s unavailability. While a number of potential signings are reportedly on the club's radar, there are currently no formal negotiations underway for a move involving Ryan One, the Sheffield United forward, despite circulating rumors to the contrary. Chermiti, who has represented Portugal at the Under‑21 level, arrived at Rangers from Everton in the summer of 2023 on a deal that could rise to £10 million based on performance-related add‑ons.
In his debut season he contributed 15 goals and five assists across all competitions, a return that has caused Ibrox officials to value him even higher than the club‑record fee received for Calvin Bassey when he transferred to Ajax for an initial £19.6 million in 2023. Following the match, Rangers manager Derek McInnes, who has yet to secure a win in his first three games in charge, expressed disappointment over the injury. "I’m really sorry for the lad – having to come off on a stretcher is never easy. He was looking bright, making runs and creating space," McInnes said.
"He played with purpose, and we certainly missed his contribution, but now he's in a boot and his knee is in a brace." McInnes added that Chermiti’s high transfer fee reflects his potential, but reassured fans that the player remains under contract with Rangers and will continue to be part of the club’s long‑term plans. Rangers have already completed nine signings this summer and are expected to add several more before the Scottish transfer deadline on September 3. The club is particularly keen to reinforce the left‑back position after Tuur Rommens suffered a groin injury that could sideline him for several weeks.
One name that has surfaced is Brentford’s promising youngster Jayden Meghoma, who has reportedly been in talks with the club. Other candidates include former Hearts left‑back James Penrice, though his parent club AEK have been hesitant to approve a loan move. Discussions are also ongoing with Aston Villa regarding right‑back Kosta Nedeljković, while Belgian side Club Brugge have been reluctant to let 24‑year‑old Hugo Siquet leave, despite his expressed interest in joining Ibrox.
Chairman Andrew Cavanagh has confirmed that Rangers intend to bring in between three and five additional players before the window shuts. The first confirmed addition will be winger Couhaib Driouech, who will become the club’s tenth summer signing. The 24‑year‑old is in the final stages of his medical and paperwork for a £6.5 million transfer from PSV Eindhoven. Rangers beat off interest from several clubs, including Burnley and Celta Vigo, to secure Driouech’s signature.
During his time at PSV, Driouech featured in 61 matches, scoring 12 goals – three of which came in the UEFA Champions League – and providing ten assists, showcasing the kind of creative spark the Scottish side hopes to add to their attacking flanks. In addition to incoming transfers, Rangers are also preparing for the departure of midfielder Mohamed Diomande. Turkish side Çorum FK are close to agreeing a fee of around £4.5 million for the player, which would see him leave Ibrox in the coming weeks.
The club’s immediate focus now shifts to the upcoming Scottish League Cup tie against holders St Mirren, a match that will test the depth of the squad amid the injury crisis. With Chermiti’s rehabilitation likely to take several months, Rangers will need to rely on their existing forwards and any new signings to fill the void.
Chermiti’s ACL injury is a significant blow not only because of his goal‑scoring record but also due to his age and potential resale value. ACL tears typically require surgical reconstruction followed by a rehabilitation period of six to nine months, meaning he could miss the majority of the season.
The medical team at Rangers will work closely with him to ensure a full recovery, but the timeline remains uncertain. Fans have expressed concern on social media, offering messages of support and urging patience during his recovery. The club has also released a statement emphasizing that Chermiti will receive the best possible care and that they remain committed to his long‑term development.
Overall, Rangers face a challenging few weeks as they juggle injury setbacks, transfer negotiations, and the pressure to deliver results in both domestic league and cup competitions. The club’s ability to navigate these obstacles will be crucial in maintaining their ambitions for the season.