NafisaRangers’ summer transfer window has been filled with speculation surrounding several key members of Derek McInnes’ squad, with strong performances naturally attracting interest from clubs across Europe.
As the Gers continue preparing for the new campaign, questions over the futures of some of their standout players have become an increasingly common talking point.
Among those linked with a potential move away is striker Youssef Chermiti, who enjoyed an impressive finish to his debut season at Ibrox after initially taking time to settle following his arrival from Everton. His resurgence has reportedly placed him on the radar of one of France’s biggest clubs, sparking fresh rumours over his long-term future in Glasgow.
However, despite the growing speculation, Chermiti has now delivered a clear message to Rangers supporters about where his focus lies.
Rangers invested £8.5 million to sign the Portuguese forward last summer, and after overcoming an adjustment period, the 22-year-old ended the campaign in fine form by contributing 15 goals across all competitions.
Those performances have reportedly attracted interest from Ligue 1 giants Lyon, who are said to have been monitoring the striker’s progress.
Despite the speculation, Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh is understood to believe Chermiti’s value is significantly higher than any initial interest, and no further contact has been made regarding a possible transfer.
The player himself has also dismissed the rumours, insisting he remains fully committed to life at Ibrox.
“I’m very happy here.
“I like Glasgow, I like the club and everyone likes me as well.
“I think everyone is just trying to help me with my development.
“It is not a distraction for me, to be honest. I haven’t heard anything, I don’t hear any noise from outside the club.
“I leave that with my agent and my family.
“I’m just focused on this season and on Rangers.
“I feel very good in the city. Even my family is happy.”
Those comments will come as a major boost for Rangers fans, with Chermiti making it clear that transfer speculation has had no impact on his mindset ahead of the new season.
The Portuguese striker believes there is still much more to come from him after his encouraging first year in Scotland and has already set himself an ambitious personal objective.
Having represented Portugal at Under-21 level, Chermiti is now determined to earn a place in Jorge Jesus’ senior national team.
“Yes, 100 per cent there is more to come from me,” he declared.
“I think that’s the target.
“I’m trying to get better every day.
“I think my target is, as I said in a few interviews before, I want to get into the national team. That’s my dream.”
With Rangers aiming to challenge on multiple fronts this season, Chermiti’s continued development could prove crucial for Derek McInnes’ side.
Although interest from clubs such as Lyon is unlikely to disappear if he continues scoring regularly, the striker’s latest remarks suggest he has no desire to leave Ibrox anytime soon. Instead, his attention remains fixed on improving his performances in a Rangers shirt and turning his dream of representing Portugal’s senior national team into reality.
Nafisa
