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 collapsed in the first half after a hard collision with the pitch‑side advertising boards, and was forced to leave the stadium wearing a protective boot and a knee brace.
The injury news broke only hours after the club disclosed that a lucrative offer from Turkish giants Galatasaray for Chermiti had been turned down. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the injury has prompted the Rangers hierarchy to intensify their search for an additional attacking option before the summer transfer window closes. While a number of potential targets are being evaluated, there are currently no active negotiations regarding a move for Ryan, a forward from Sheffield United, despite earlier speculation linking the two clubs.
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 he found the net 15 times across all competitions and contributed five assists, performances that have led the Ibrox board to value him above the club‑record fee received for defender Calvin Bassey, who transferred to Ajax for an initial £19.6 million in 2023. The Scottish Premiership can be streamed via NOW, and live coverage is also available on Sky Sports.
Viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback. After the defeat to Hibernian – a match that left manager Derek McInnes winless in his first three games in charge – McInnes expressed his disappointment, saying: "I’m sorry for the big lad who had to come off on a stretcher.
He looked bright, was running in the gaps and playing with purpose. We certainly missed his presence, but now he’s in a boot and his knee is in a brace.
It’s no surprise that a player with a high tag and great potential is now sidelined, but he remains our player and that won’t change." Rangers have already completed nine signings this summer, and the club expects that number to increase as the window draws to a close. The management is currently assessing several candidates to bolster the left‑back position, a need that has become more urgent after a groin injury to Tuur Rommens is projected to keep him out for several weeks. One name that has surfaced is Brentford’s young defender Jayden Meghoma, who has reportedly been in talks with the club. Other possibilities include former Hearts left‑back James Penrice, though his parent club AEK has been hesitant to approve a loan move.
In addition, discussions are ongoing with Aston Villa concerning right‑back Kosta Nedeljković, while Belgian side Club Brugge appears reluctant to let 24‑year‑old Hugo Siquet leave, despite his apparent interest in a move to Ibrox. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh has confirmed that Rangers intend to add between three and five more players before the Scottish transfer deadline on September 3. The first of these anticipated arrivals is winger Couhaib Driouech, who will become the club’s tenth summer signing.
The 24‑year‑old is currently undergoing a medical and finalising paperwork for a £6.5 million transfer from PSV Eindhoven. Rangers have fended off interest from several clubs, including Burnley and Celta Vigo, to secure Driouech’s services. During his time at PSV, he scored 12 goals in 61 appearances, netted three times in the Champions League last season, and provided ten assists. Meanwhile, midfielder Mohamed Diomande is expected to be the next departure from Ibrox.
Turkish side Çorum FK is reportedly close to finalising a deal worth around £4.5 million for the player. The loss of Chermiti is a significant blow to Rangers’ attacking options, especially given his proven goal‑scoring record and potential for further development.
An ACL injury typically requires a recovery period of six to nine months, meaning the striker is unlikely to return before the end of the season. This timeline forces the club to look for immediate reinforcements, either through permanent signings or short‑term loans, to maintain competitiveness in the Scottish Premiership and the upcoming League Cup tie against holders St Mirren. In the broader context, Rangers’ transfer strategy this summer reflects a dual approach: securing promising talent like Chermiti and Driouech while also preparing contingency plans for injuries and form dips. The club’s willingness to invest significant sums, as evidenced by the £10 million package for Chermiti and the £6.5 million outlay for Driouech, underscores their ambition to challenge for domestic honours and make a deeper impact in European competition.
Fans will be closely monitoring Chermiti’s rehabilitation progress, with the medical team expected to provide regular updates on his recovery milestones. In the meantime, the coaching staff will need to adapt their tactical setup, possibly relying more on existing forwards such as Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, or newly signed options to fill the void left by the injured striker. Overall, Rangers face a pivotal period as they juggle injury setbacks, transfer negotiations, and the demand for immediate results on the pitch.
The club’s ability to navigate these challenges will shape their season trajectory and determine whether they can sustain their push for titles despite the loss of a key attacking asset.