Rangers have been cautioned about the risks involved in their high-profile deal with Everton for one of their summer signings.
The Ibrox club made headlines on transfer deadline day by securing Youssef Chermiti in a deal worth £8 million potentially rising to £10 million with add-ons. It marks Rangers’ biggest transfer outlay since their record-breaking move for Tore Andre Flo, and naturally, expectations are high for the young striker who has yet to score since joining Everton.
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday has voiced his concerns about the move, describing it as a significant gamble. While Chermiti is familiar to sporting director Kevin Thelwell from their time together at Everton, Halliday now playing for Motherwell believes the club has taken a major financial risk on a player who has yet to prove himself at senior level.
Andy Halliday Shares Thoughts on Rangers’ Recent Transfer
Andy Halliday told Clyde SSB: “You really can’t judge a signing until you’ve seen him play for a few months and observed his performance and stats. If Rangers are paying eight million pounds for a striker, it should be something to celebrate, with lots of excitement around it.
“But considering that Youssef Chermiti has only scored three goals in his career for Everton, despite the club spending over £12 million on him, and he’s played 24 games without a goal or assist, I’m baffled as to why Rangers would invest eight million pounds in a player with that kind of record.
“There must have been clearer options for that amount of money. Of course, Kevin Thelwell knows him well from bringing him to Everton and seeing his potential during a brief stint at Sporting Lisbon. Still, spending your second-highest transfer fee on someone with such a limited track record strikes me as an extremely, extremely risky move.”
Why Chermiti Chose to Join Rangers
Speaking about his move, Chermiti told Rangers TV: “I’m really happy to be here. When Kevin [Thelwell] and the manager reached out to me, I did have other options, but I was determined to join Rangers, and now I’m here. Kevin and I have maintained a good relationship since our time at Everton. He messaged me during pre-season, and after discussing it with my agents and family, we made it happen.
“For me, the most important thing was the club’s interest and the manager’s desire to have me in the team. Of course, I want to play regularly, so that was a key factor in my decision. I’m familiar with Scottish football, which makes this a great starting point.
“I also have friends who have played here Fabio [Silva] and Rafa [Fernandes]. Everyone knows about Rangers; it’s a huge club with a strong reputation. The project Kevin and the manager shared with me felt like the best fit. I believe I can bring sharpness and quickness, contribute goals and assists, and help the team overall. My goal is to do good for the club and, most importantly, to make the Rangers fans happy.”
