Rangers' forward Youssef Chermiti has been ruled out for what the club describes as "a significant period of time" after sustaining a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Hibernian at Ibrox. The 22‑year‑old striker collapsed in the first half after a hard collision with the advertising boards that line the touchline, and was forced to leave the pitch wearing a protective boot and a knee brace. The injury was confirmed as an ACL tear, an ailment that typically demands a lengthy rehabilitation programme lasting anywhere from six to nine months, depending on the severity and the success of surgery and physiotherapy. The news arrived only hours after Rangers disclosed that they had turned down a substantial offer from Turkish giants Galatasaray for Chermiti.
The bid, reported to be in the region of several million pounds, was rejected on the grounds that the club still sees the young forward as a key part of its long‑term plans. In the wake of the injury, however, Sky Sports News reports that the club’s hierarchy have already begun to explore the market for a potential replacement, especially as the summer transfer window draws to a close.
Several names have been floated, but at present there are no formal negotiations underway for any particular player. Rumours linking Rangers with Sheffield United’s Ryan One have been dismissed as unfounded, and the club’s scouting department is said to be evaluating a broader shortlist of attacking options. The priority appears to be finding a forward who can replicate Chermiti’s blend of pace, physicality and finishing ability, while also fitting into Derek McInnes’s tactical setup, which emphasizes quick transitions and high‑pressing play. Chermiti, who has represented Portugal at under‑21 level, arrived at Ibrox 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 with the Glasgow side he found the net 15 times across all competitions and contributed five assists, a return that quickly made him a fan favourite and justified the club’s investment. His impact has been such that Rangers’ board have publicly stated that they value him higher than the record fee they received for defender Calvin Bassey, who transferred to Ajax for an initial £19.6 million in 2023.
Following the defeat to Hibernian, which also left McInnes winless in his first three games in charge, the Rangers manager addressed the crowd and the media. He expressed his disappointment at seeing a key player leave the field on a stretcher, noting, "He was looking bright, running gaps and playing with purpose. We missed his contribution, and it’s a shame to see him in a boot and a knee brace." McInnes also reaffirmed the club’s commitment to Chermiti, saying that despite the injury and the high price tag attached to the player, he remains a Rangers player and will continue to be part of the squad once he recovers. The injury to Chermiti adds to a growing list of squad concerns for Rangers this summer.
The club has already completed nine signings during the current transfer window, and the board expects to add three to five more players before the September 3 deadline. One of the immediate targets is a left‑back, a position that has been left thin after Tuur Rommens suffered a groin strain that is expected to sideline him for several weeks.
Brentford’s youngster Jayden Meghoma has been mentioned as a possible acquisition, although negotiations are still in the early stages. Other potential arrivals include former Hearts left‑back James Penrice, whose parent club AEK Athens has been reluctant to sanction a loan move, and Aston Villa’s right‑back Kosta Nedeljković, who is reportedly on Rangers’ radar.
Additionally, Belgian winger Hugo Siquet has expressed interest in a move to Ibrox, but Club Brugge appears hesitant to let the 24‑year‑old depart without a suitable replacement. On the outgoing side, Rangers have confirmed that winger Couhaib Driouech will become the club’s tenth summer signing.
The 24‑year‑old is in the final stages of his medical and paperwork ahead of a £6.5 million transfer from PSV Eindhoven. Driouech arrived at PSV as a teenager and has since made 61 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists, including three goals in the UEFA Champions League last season.
His arrival is seen as a direct response to the attacking void left by Chermiti’s injury, offering pace and creativity on the flanks. Meanwhile, midfielder Mohamed Diomande is expected to depart Rangers for Turkish side Çorum FK in a deal valued at around £4.5 million. The move will free up wages and a squad slot, allowing the club to focus resources on the incoming targets. In summary, Rangers face a challenging period ahead.
The loss of Chermiti is a significant blow to their offensive options, but the club’s proactive approach in the transfer market suggests they are determined to mitigate the impact. With a series of potential signings on the horizon and a clear commitment from the management to reinforce the squad, the team will aim to maintain momentum in the Scottish Premiership and prepare for upcoming cup fixtures, including the League Cup clash against holders St Mirren. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Rangers can successfully navigate this injury crisis and keep their ambitions for the season alive.