Rangers' forward Youssef Chermiti has been ruled out for "a significant period of time" after sustaining a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during Sunday's loss to Hibernian. The 22‑year‑old striker collapsed in the first half after a hard impact with the perimeter boards at Ibrox, and was forced to leave the pitch wearing a protective boot and a knee brace.
The injury news arrived just hours after the club disclosed that it had turned down a lucrative offer from Turkish side Galatasaray for Chermiti. According to Sky Sports News, Rangers are now actively scouting for an additional attacking option as the transfer window draws to a close, a move that has been accelerated by the striker's unavailability.
While several names have been mentioned, there are currently no formal negotiations taking place for Sheffield United forward Ryan One, despite circulating rumors. Chermiti, who has represented Portugal at under‑21 level, arrived from Everton in the summer on a contract that could rise to £10 million. In his debut season he contributed 15 goals and five assists across all competitions, performances that have caused Ibrox officials to value him even higher than the club‑record fee received for Calvin Bassey, who transferred to Ajax for an initial £19.6 million in 2023. The Scottish Premiership can be streamed via NOW, and live matches are also available on Sky Sports.
Viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback. Speaking after the defeat, which left new manager Derek McInnes winless in his first three games in charge, the coach expressed his disappointment: "I'm upset for the big lad who had to be taken off on a stretcher. He looked bright and was making runs into gaps.
He played with purpose and we certainly missed his contribution, but now he's in a boot and his knee is braced. It's no surprise that he's a player with a big tag and huge potential, but thankfully he's ours and that won't change." Rangers have already completed nine signings this summer, and the tally is expected to rise further this week.
The club is evaluating a range of targets to strengthen the squad, including a left‑back to add depth to McInnes' options. This comes after a groin injury to Tuur Rommens, which is projected to keep him sidelined for several weeks. One of the candidates mentioned by Sky Sports News is Brentford youngster Jayden Meghoma, who has been in talks with the Glasgow side.
Other possibilities are also on the radar as Rangers prepare for their upcoming League Cup clash against holders St Mirren. Former Hearts left‑back James Penrice remains on the shortlist, although his parent club AEK have been hesitant to approve a loan move. Negotiations are also reported with Aston Villa regarding right‑back Kosta Nedeljković, while Belgian winger Hugo Siquet has shown interest in a switch to Ibrox; however, Club Brugge appear reluctant to let the 24‑year‑old depart. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh has confirmed that Rangers intend to bring in three to five additional players before the Scottish transfer deadline on September 3.
The first confirmed arrival is winger Couhaib Driouech, who will become the club's tenth summer signing. The 24‑year‑old is finalising his medical and paperwork ahead of a £6.5 million transfer from PSV Eindhoven. Rangers overcame stiff competition from clubs such as Burnley and Celta Vigo to secure his services.
Driouech recorded 12 goals in 61 appearances for PSV, including three in the Champions League last season, and added ten assists. In addition to incoming talent, the club is also preparing for an outgoing move. Midfielder Mohamed Diomande is expected to leave for Turkish side Çorum FK, with the deal reportedly valued at around £4.5 million. The ACL injury suffered by Chermiti is a serious setback for both the player and the team.
Anterior cruciate ligament tears typically require surgical reconstruction followed by a rehabilitation period that can range from six to nine months, depending on the severity and the individual's response to therapy. During this time, players focus on regaining strength, stability, and confidence in the injured knee before returning to full training and match play. The long recovery timeline means Rangers will need to rely on their existing attacking options and any new signings to fill the void left by Chermiti's absence. Rangers' recruitment strategy this summer reflects a broader ambition to compete on multiple fronts – the Scottish Premiership, the domestic cups, and European competition.
By bolstering the squad with versatile players across the pitch, the club aims to mitigate the impact of injuries and maintain a high level of performance throughout a congested schedule. The addition of Driouech provides pace and creativity on the flanks, while the pursuit of a left‑back and a right‑back signals a desire for balance in both defensive solidity and attacking width.
Fans will be watching closely as the transfer window nears its close, hoping that the club can secure the necessary reinforcements to keep pace with rivals and sustain the momentum built under McInnes' early tenure. Meanwhile, Chermiti will embark on a lengthy rehabilitation journey, with the expectation that his talent and potential will see him return to Ibrox stronger and ready to contribute once again to the Rangers' quest for silverware.