Euro giants prepare to test Rangers resolve for star valued at £25m - but Everton hero backs hitman to become Ibrox hero
Both Fenerbache and Galatasaray have taken a shining to the former Everton hitman since the turn of the year - but is being backed to become an Ibrox hero
Galatasaray are reportedly tracking Youssef Chermiti this summer - but Rangers are believed to be demanding in excess of £25 million for the striker’s services.
The Portuguese marksman had a topsy-turvy debut season at Ibrox, initially struggling to live up to the eye-watering £8m transfer fee it cost to bring him to the club from English Premier League side Everton on deadline day last summer. He scored just one goal in 18 games.
But as the season progressed, Chermiti’s form improved gradually and he came up with some clutch moments during the second half of the campaign, including goals against Old Firm rivals Celtic and a hat-trick against Hearts in February.
That upturn in form vindicated Rangers decision to turn down a £13m offer from Turkish Super Lig heavyweights Fenerbahce in January.
Now, according to Sozcu in Turkey, it’s their fierce Istanbul rivals Galatasaray who are ready to test the waters with a bid of their own. In order to land Chermiti’s signature, they will have to pull out all the stops as it’s reported that Rangers value the frontman at a whopping £25m.
Gers boss Danny Rohl has already added Scotland international Lawrence Shankland to his ranks, which could open the door for a striker to leave. Chermiti or Bojan Miovski are the likely candidates, with the latter recently voicing his frustration about his lack of game time.
Speaking back in January, head coach Danny Rohl confirmed: “We will keep our best players. We have big goals and we spoke about wanting to strengthen our squad, not make it weaker. We are very clear about what we want to do.”
Chermiti capable of becoming Rangers hero if he displays right attitude
Chermiti is also being monitored by Portuguese giants Porto and runaway Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven.
Following a return of 15 goals last season, Chermiti still divides opinion among supporters and now faces increased competition for a starting spot after Shankland’s arrival. Despite that, former Scotland and Everton striker Graeme Sharp is in no doubt the 22-year-old has bags of talent.
He believes Chermiti has the ability to become a regular goal scorer for Rangers, admitting: “The boy has got ability but it’s how he sees his next step. Does he want to stay at Rangers and be successful and be a hero like Ally McCoist?
“He’s came good at the end of the season and scored some important goals and for him it’s important that he hits the ground running next season. Start scoring goals and I think Rangers may well have a player there.
“But f he starts the season poorly and pressure builds... I always stress that, to play for a big team it’s tough and it’s not just what you do on the pitch. It’s mentality. You’ve got to have the right mentality as a player to make it at a big club.
“The boy has shown signs that he’s a good player but he needs to do it in every game. Show us what you’ve got. If you don’t score fine, but if you can hold the ball up and bring people into play, that’s what we want you to do.
“It’s a big season ahead for him but the signs are there that he can be a good player. I’d ask, how much do you want it? Do you want to be top or do you want to just muddle along near the bottom or in the middle. If he wants to be top with the right attitude he’s got a chance.”
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