Rangers hit with 'enormous financial blow' after 'cruel' development - expert

Rangers and Derek McInnes have been handed a disastrous blow on and off the pitch just weeks into the 2026-27 campaign.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Gers latest injury news is a rather "cruel" development.

Four games into the 2026-27 campaign, and McInnes' side are still looking for their first victory, having already crashed out of Europa League qualifying.

But it was their Scottish Premiership clash against Hibernian that caused one of the biggest blows of the season already, with Youssef Chermiti going off injured.

While it was initially believed that the striker's injury was only minor, the Light Blues confirmed on Tuesday, 11 August, that he suffered an ACL injury.

The 22-year-old is now likely to be sidelined for most of the campaign, with Borson detailing the financial blow behind the striker's setback.

Youssef Chermiti's injury an 'enormous financial blow'

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: "It's beyond that, isn't it? The sad reality is that the players, post-ACL, at best, don't just take the year to come back.

"That first season after is often very difficult. But it's very common. It's an enormous financial blow. Clearly that's secondary to the player's injury and the impacts on his career.

"It's massive because you lose the player, you lose the transfer fee, and you've got to find a replacement. It's really bad.

"There's no way around it, is there? It's almost cruel in terms of the way these things pan out. And it's such a serious injury.

"There's no shortcut on the ACL injuries. It's just a very, very tough situation."

Who could Rangers sign as Chermiti's replacement?

Lawrence Shankland is likely to be the Gers' first-choice striker this season, backed up by Ryan Don Naderi and Bojan Miovski.

It was believed that Rangers would make a late move for Joe Gelhardt, but recent reports suggest that Hull City have won the race for Leeds United's young striker.

Ryan One of Sheffield United was also shortlisted, but Portland Timbers' Kevin Kelsey looks far more likely to make the switch to Scotland.

The 22-year-old already has 10 goals and three assists for the MLS side, and with previous experience in the Champions League with Shakhtar Donetsk, he seems like a good option.