Rangers finalised ‘surprising’ last-minute transfer – ‘he’ll do well for them’
Rangers have finalised a “surprising” transfer move which could improve Russell Martin’s squad.
Martin has had a tough start to life at Ibrox and is yet to oversee a win in the Scottish Premiership this season.
The 0-0 draw with Celtic on Sunday (31 August) was the Gers’ fourth draw in as many games, and the Light Blues have also been knocked out of the Champions League.
However, there was one positive over the weekend, as Football Insider exclusively revealed that Rangers had agreed terms with Youssef Chermiti, with his move from Everton being confirmed on deadline day (1 September).
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Chermiti’s move to the Glasgow giants comes as somewhat of a surprise.
‘Youssef Chermiti is a talent, I’m surprised Everton sold him’
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Chermiti is a talent and that he will likely do very well for Rangers.
The Gers agreed to sign the 21-year-old for an initial fee of around £8million, with an extra £2m in add-ons.
Wyness added that he was surprised that David Moyes sanctioned the sale of Chermiti, as the Scottish manager had quite liked him.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “He’s had some injuries. He showed some great promise when he played for Everton, and I was surprised they actually sold him. I thought he might have gone on loan.
“I think a lot of Everton fans did think he had a chance, and I think he’ll do very well at Rangers, maybe there’s a buyback as well, which could make sense.
“Basically, he’s gone at the sort of price Everton paid for him, so it’s basically no loss either way. I think he’ll do very well for Rangers. He’s a talent. I’d say he’s been very unlucky with injuries.
“I’m surprised. I thought Moyes actually quite liked him, but there we go. He’s off. He’ll do well for Rangers, and I think this could be a good move. We’ll see him back in the Premier League at some stage in the future.”
Rangers to reignite interest in Crystal Palace winger
Meanwhile, Rangers are reportedly planning to reignite their interest in Crystal Palace star Jesurun Rak-Sakyi in the January transfer window after missing out on deadline day.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who claims that Martin remains determined to land the 22-year-old.
As a result, plans are already being put in place to lure him away from Selhurst Park, where he is not expected to play a significant role under Oliver Glasner.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in July that Rangers want to sign Rak-Sakyi, with Palace planning to accept permanent offers for his signature.
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