Rangers ace to make huge decision as fresh appeal launched over 'exciting project' amid continued uncertainty
It comes despite Portugal boss Roberto Martinez expressing his interest in the young player ahead of this summer’s World Cup finals
A Rangers star has found himself at the centre of an international tug-of-war, with a final decision expected on which national team he will commit to due in the near future.
Ibrox hitman Youssef Chermiti - capped at all youth levels by Portugal - is due to play against Scotland’s youngsters in a UEFA Euro Under-21 qualifier in Amadora later this month. But it remains to be seen who he will chose to represent at senior level after reports confirmed the Tunisian Football Association have launched a fresh bid to persuade the centre-forward to pledge his future to them.
It’s claimed the North African nation have not given up their attempts to convince Chermiti that he features heavily in their plans and talks are due to take place this week ahead of their two friendlies against Scotland's opening World Cup opponents Haiti and hosts Canada in Toronto at the end of this month.
Their latest appeal comes despite Portugal boss Roberto Martinez highlighting the 21-year-old frontman as a player he is monitoring closely ahead of this summer’s World Cup finals. Martinez namechecked Chermiti as one of the possible young talents who could still force their way into his thought-process.
£10m summer signing Chermiti is eligible to play for Tunisia through his father and his chances of playing in the World Cup would increase significantly should he decide to switch allegiances. They are due to face the winners of the play-off between Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, or Albania in addition to Japan and the Netherlands in Group F.
Tunisia refuse to throw in the towel in quest to lure Rangers striker to commit
Tunisian FA sporting director, Zied Jaziri, expressed his frustration at their previous efforts to bring Chermiti on board last year.
He said: “At the moment, we have found it difficult to get Youssef Chermiti to commit his international future to Tunisia. We will continue to hold talks with him and hope he eventually decides on our exciting project.”
Despite their ongoing challenge, Tunisian FA chiefs are refusing to back down and will submit another offer to try and bring Chermiti into head coach Sami Trabelsi’s squad.
”It’s impossible to compel a player to join the national team if they don’t feel a true desire,” Trabelsi stated back in September. “This willingness must come from within.
“Certain players have told us they are waiting for a minimal opportunity, even a one per cent chance, to join European squads. I cannot wait indefinitely for these players to join our national team. Tunisia is precious and only needs those who wish to defend its honour with passion and determination.”