Rangers Actively Pursue Striker and Defensive Reinforcements Following Injuries
Rangers are taking a “proactive” approach to secure a new striker after Youssef Chermiti was ruled out for an extended period due to injury, according to manager Derek McInnes. He emphasized that the team is facing challenges with defensive injuries, describing the situation as “playing with fire.”
Chermiti, 22, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Saturday’s match against Hibernian, shortly after the club rejected a bid for the Portugal Under-21 international. Galatasaray has expressed interest in the former Everton player.
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A specialist appointment in London is set, with a potential surgery scheduled for next week.
Joining Chermiti on the injury list is left-back Tuur Rommens, who will be sidelined for up to eight weeks due to a groin issue sustained in the same match.
McInnes, whose team will aim to reverse a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Jagiellonia Bialystok in their Europa League third-round qualifier on Thursday, commented on Chermiti’s situation, saying, “It’s really disappointing for us.”
“Selfishly, he plays a big role in our plans this season and he is clearly a talented young player. For Youssef, it’s tough to come to terms with what has happened to him,” he added.
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McInnes noted the timing is somewhat fortuitous, as it falls during the transfer window, giving the club a chance to respond quickly. “The plan was for Youssef to stay. A significant bid was made for him, but the club turned it down. That’s behind us now,” he remarked. “We are looking into strengthening that position, and finding a quality number nine can be challenging.”
‘Defensive and wide areas the priority’
In addition to a striker, McInnes intends to recruit a left-back following Rommens’ injury, and he is also focused on adding wingers to the squad.
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He stated, “Strengthening our defensive line and wing positions has to be a priority. We currently lack a left-footed defender and are eager to resolve this issue as soon as possible.” McInnes expressed concern about the depth in defense, stressing, “We know what we need. Acting quickly will definitely help.” The recruitment team is working to finalize new signings, although no deals have been confirmed yet.
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There are reports linking Brentford left-back Jayden Meghoma, 20, with a second loan stint at Rangers, following his previous season at Ibrox. Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech is also being considered for a permanent transfer.
When discussing Driouech, McInnes said, “There’s been a lot of speculation regarding various players. This one has gained traction, and we are quite far along, but the current status is still uncertain. All these discussions are ongoing.”
Rangers are being “proactive” in seeking a new striker after Youssef Chermiti was ruled out long term, says manager Derek McInnes, who warned defensive injuries have left the club “playing with fire”.
Chermiti, 22, sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Saturday’s defeat by Hibernian, shortly after McInnes confirmed a bid had been rejected for the Portugal Under-21 cap. Galatasaray have been linked with the former Everton player.
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A specialist in London will be consulted, with a possible operation next week.
Chermiti is joined on the sidelines by left-back Tuur Rommens, who has been ruled out for up to eight weeks with a groin problem suffered in the same game.
McInnes, whose side will attempt to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit at home to Jagiellonia Bialystok in their Europa League third-round qualifier on Thursday, said of Chermiti: “Obviously, really disappointing for ourselves.
“Selfishly, he’s a big part of what we wanted to do this season and he’s obviously a talented boy.
“For Youssef himself, obviously he’s very young. It’ll be difficult for him to accept and understand what’s happened to him.
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“The only saving grace from our point of view as a club is the fact it’s happened in a transfer window and we’ve got the opportunity to react to that.
“The plan was for Youssef to stay in. Obviously it was a big number that was reportedly bid for him. I don’t know exactly what the figure was. Obviously the club rejected that. It’s neither here nor there now, to be honest. It’s done.
“We are obviously looking at maybe strengthening that area of the pitch. We’re trying to be quite proactive with that and seeing what is available. Number nines are normally the most difficult ones to get.”
‘Defensive and wide areas the priority’
In terms of other recruitment, McInnes is keen to add a left-back following Rommens’ injury and says the club are also “trying to bring wingers in”.
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He said: “Strengthening defensively and in wide areas was the priority.
“We don’t have a left-footed defender in the building. We’re keen to try and get that resolved as quickly as possible.
“With the numbers we’ve got there, we are kind of playing with fire. Defensively, it’s always been a bit of a concern. I always thought we were short of numbers there.
“We all know what we need but acting really swiftly would help matters.
“We’re trying to bring wingers in. It’s in the hands of the recruitment team to try and get that over the line. Nothing’s been finalised with anything yet.”
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Brentford left-back Jayden Meghoma, 20, has been linked with a second loan spell at Rangers after spending last season at Ibrox, while PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech has been heavily touted for a permanent move.
When asked about Driouech, McInnes said: “We’ve been linked with a lot of players. That one’s gained a bit of momentum and we are quite far down the line with that but I don’t know where it’s at currently. All these things are still ongoing.”
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