Rangers' young forward Youssef Chermiti has suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury that will keep him out of action for a "significant period of time," the club confirmed after his mishap in Sunday’s 2-0 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 was seen exiting the stadium wearing a protective boot and a knee brace. The injury was confirmed as an ACL tear, a condition that typically requires surgery followed by a lengthy rehabilitation program lasting anywhere from six to nine months, depending on the success of the operation and the player’s response to physiotherapy.
The timing of Chermiti’s setback could not have been worse for the Glasgow side. Just hours before the match, Rangers had publicly rejected a lucrative offer from Turkish giants Galatasaray, who were reportedly prepared to pay a substantial fee for the promising forward.
The club’s decision to keep the player under contract now appears to have back‑fired, as the medical department has ruled him out for the foreseeable future. In response, Sky Sports News has reported that Rangers are already looking to bring in another attacking option before the transfer window closes at the end of September.
Although a number of potential signings have been mentioned in recent weeks, there is currently no active negotiation regarding a move for Sheffield United’s Ryan One, despite earlier speculation linking the two clubs. Instead, the focus seems to be on identifying a forward who can immediately fill the void left by Chermiti’s absence and help the team maintain its offensive momentum in both domestic league and cup competitions.
Chermiti, who has represented Portugal at under‑21 level, arrived at Ibrox from Everton in the summer of 2023 for a deal that could rise to £10 million based on performance‑related add‑ons. During his debut season with the Rangers, he contributed 15 goals and five assists across all competitions, a return that quickly elevated his status among the Ibrox faithful. His impact was such that the club’s hierarchy now values 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 marked manager Derek McInnes’s third winless game in charge, the Rangers boss spoke candidly about the loss of his key attacker.
"I’m disappointed for the big lad who had to go off on a stretcher. He looked bright and was running the gaps well," McInnes said.
"He played with purpose, and his absence was felt immediately – he left in a boot and his knee in a brace. It's no surprise that he carries a big tag and has high potential, but thankfully he remains our player and that will continue to be the case." The manager’s comments underscored both the immediate tactical challenge and the longer‑term strategic importance of Chermiti to the club’s plans. Rangers have already completed nine signings this summer, and the club’s recruitment team is expected to add three to five more players before the Scottish transfer deadline on September 3. One of the most pressing needs identified by the coaching staff is a left‑back, a position that has been weakened by a groin injury to Tuur Rommens, which is projected to sideline him for several weeks.
Sky Sports has suggested that Brentford’s promising youngster Jayden Meghoma could be a viable option, though negotiations are still in their early stages. In addition to the left‑back vacancy, the club is also exploring options at right‑back, with Aston Villa reportedly in talks about the Serbian international Kosta Nedeljković. Meanwhile, there are rumours that Hugo Siquet, a 24‑year‑old Belgian winger, is eager to join Ibrox, although his current club Club Brugge has been reluctant to release him.
Another high‑profile target is PSV’s winger Couhaib Driouech, who is set to become Rangers’ tenth summer signing. The 24‑year‑old is currently completing his medical and paperwork ahead of a £6.5 million transfer.
Driouech has attracted interest from several clubs, including Burnley and Celta Vigo, but Rangers have successfully outbid the competition. During his time at PSV, Driouech recorded 12 goals in 61 appearances, including three strikes in the Champions League last season, and supplied ten assists, indicating his ability to contribute both goals and creativity from wide areas. While the club is busy reinforcing its squad, there is also movement out of Ibrox. Midfielder Mohamed Diomande is expected to depart for Turkish side Çorum FK for a fee in the region of £4.5 million, providing the Rangers' board with additional funds to support the ongoing recruitment drive.
In summary, the loss of Youssef Chermiti to a serious ACL injury represents a significant blow to Rangers’ attacking options, but the club’s proactive approach in the transfer market suggests they are determined to mitigate the impact. By targeting reinforcements across the defensive line and adding fresh attacking talent such as Driouech, Rangers aim to maintain their competitiveness in the Scottish Premiership and the upcoming League Cup tie against holders St Mirren. The coming weeks will be crucial as the management finalises deals, integrates new signings, and prepares the squad for the challenges that lie ahead, all while monitoring Chermiti’s rehabilitation progress with the hope that he will eventually return to the pitch fully fit and ready to contribute once again.