Sources: Rangers make ‘immediate’ Youssef Chermiti transfer plan
Rangers have no immediate plans to sell Youssef Chermiti this summer despite what has largely been a frustrating season since his arrival from Everton.
The 21-year-old scored two goals including a spectacular overhead kick as Rangers drew 2-2 with Celtic last weekend, and is preparing to face his favourite opponent again on Sunday.
Of his nine goals so far for Rangers, four have come against their Old Firm rivals, but concerns have emerged about his consistency against the rest of the league.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Danny Rohl’s side are not concerned about the striker’s performances.
Chermiti is viewed as a long-term project and they are keen to aid his development while strengthening the squad around him as part of Rangers’ big summer transfer plans.
🔄 Rangers Transfer Update 🔄
Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Ibrox boardroom.
VISIT THE RANGERS TRANSFER HUBRangers make plans to keep Youssef Chermiti
Football Insider revealed during the January transfer window that Rangers were keen to keep Chermiti despite suggestions he could have been moved on.
The Ibrox club made moves to improve their attacking options in the mid-season window and landed a deal for Ryan Naderi, who has been unable to displace Chermiti.
The former Everton striker remains a key part of Rohl’s plans, despite his inconsistency and other available options, and there are no plans for him to move on.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Yeah, I think obviously Chermiti has saved his best for those Old Firm games and the two goals against Celtic shows what he can offer.
“The frustration has been that he’s been a bit inconsistent and not been a regular goalscorer.
“I don’t think Rangers are making any immediate plans to change Chermiti. They see a player in him and laid out a lot of money to sign him from Everton.
“He’s showed glimpses of what he can do and it’s up to Rangers to try and get that out of him on a more regular basis.
“Rangers see him as a long-term project. He’s a young player that they’ve put a lot of money into and they’re hoping that he can fulfil his potential at Rangers as well.
“There are no plans to offload him or anything like that. They’ll be expecting he can continue to progress and improve over the coming weeks and months.”
Rangers make new transfer plan after Chermiti decision
Having decided to head into next season with Chermiti as their main number nine, barring a significant twist, Rangers have set their sights on strengthening elsewhere.
Football Insider revealed on 3 March that Rangers want to sign a centre-back and are prioritising at least one addition to the heart of their defence.
Rohl and the recruitment team at Ibrox have identified the position as a weakness in his squad amid concerns about their strength in depth.
Loanees Derek Cornelius and Nasser Dijga are set to return to their parent clubs at the end of the campaign, and Rangers are keen to avoid more stop-gap signings.
John Souttar and Emmanuel Fernandez are seen as the first-choice duo at the back, but the lack of depth behind them has become a concern.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Rangers Insider Access
Get the full story from Ibrox and Auchenhowie with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.