NafisaRangers make decision on selling world-class star for €25million immediately following defeat to Hibs at Ibrox – Derek McInnes confirms he’s OUT for upcoming game
Rangers have made a major decision over Youssef Chermiti’s future after reportedly rejecting a €25million offer for the striker, but Derek McInnes has now confirmed that the Portuguese forward will miss the club’s upcoming fixture following his injury against Hibernian.
It was already shaping up to be a difficult afternoon for Rangers at Ibrox, but the situation became considerably more concerning when Chermiti was forced from the pitch on a stretcher during the 2-1 defeat.
The 22-year-old had been one of the most closely watched Rangers players in the build-up to the match after Galatasaray reportedly tested the Scottish club’s resolve with a huge offer.
Rangers’ answer was emphatic.
The reported €25million proposal was rejected, with McInnes making it clear that the club had no desire to part company with Chermiti.
And following Sunday’s defeat, the Rangers boss doubled down on that position while confirming that the striker is now facing a spell on the sidelines.
Rangers reject €25million Chermiti offer
Chermiti’s future had become a major talking point before kick-off after reports emerged that Galatasaray were prepared to make a significant investment in the forward.
The Turkish giants were reportedly willing to pay around €25million for the striker, a figure that would have represented a major financial opportunity for Rangers.
However, the Ibrox hierarchy decided against accepting it.
McInnes subsequently confirmed that Rangers had rejected what he described as a “big number” and revealed that he was delighted the club had kept hold of the player.
“The bid was rejected, which we are delighted about. We know it’s a big number that came in for him,” McInnes said.
“But we have got plans for Youssef to be with us this season and be part of something.”
That statement leaves little doubt over Rangers’ immediate intentions.
Chermiti is not viewed simply as an asset that could be sold for a substantial profit. McInnes sees him as an important part of the Rangers team he is attempting to build.
Unfortunately for the manager, the striker’s injury has now become the biggest concern.
Chermiti stretchered off against Hibs
Chermiti had looked lively during the opening stages of the match but was unable to continue after suffering an injury following a collision.
The striker immediately indicated that something was wrong before receiving treatment and eventually being taken from the pitch on a stretcher.
There was initially uncertainty over exactly how the injury occurred, with the forward appearing to make contact with the advertising boards after the collision.
McInnes later clarified what Chermiti had told him.
“It was an impact. He described to me as he planted his foot and then he felt the impact from the challenge,” the Rangers manager explained.
“So, I know maybe it looks as though he hit the board, but I don’t think he injured it hitting the board, to be honest with you.”
Chermiti subsequently left Ibrox wearing a protective boot and with his knee in a brace.
That immediately raised fears among Rangers supporters, particularly given the importance of the forward to McInnes’ plans.
Derek McInnes confirms Chermiti will miss the next game
McInnes has now confirmed that Chermiti will not be available for Rangers’ next fixture as the club waits for greater clarity over the extent of the injury.
The striker is scheduled to undergo further medical assessment, with Rangers hoping that the results provide some positive news.
“We’ll get him scanned tomorrow,” McInnes said.
“So, we don’t want people to speculate. But hopefully, we’ll get some luck on the scan tomorrow and he can be back in a Rangers shirt before too long.”
That means Chermiti is already ruled out of the immediate upcoming game, regardless of what the eventual diagnosis reveals.
For McInnes, the timing could hardly be worse.
Rangers are already struggling for consistency in attack, and Chermiti’s ability to run in behind defenders and provide a physical presence had been viewed as an important part of the manager’s plans.
His absence was noticeable against Hibs after he was forced off.
McInnes admitted as much after the match.
“Disappointed for the big fella that he has to come off on a stretcher. I thought he was looking bright and running gaps,” he said.
“I thought he played with a bit of purpose. And there’s no doubt we missed that.”
Rangers now face nervous wait over their star striker
The immediate priority for Rangers is no longer deciding whether to sell Chermiti.
That decision has effectively already been made.
Despite the reported €25million interest, McInnes has made it clear that the club want the striker to remain at Ibrox and play a major role in their season.
The concern now is simply how long he could be unavailable.
A short-term absence would be frustrating enough for a Rangers side desperate for attacking options, but a serious knee problem could completely change the situation.
For now, however, McInnes is urging everyone to wait for the scan rather than speculate.
Rangers will hope the injury proves to be nothing more than a temporary setback and that their reported decision to reject Galatasaray’s huge offer does not end up costing them their key forward for a significant period.
The club have already shown that they believe Chermiti is worth more to them on the pitch than the money they could receive from selling him.
Now they need some good news from the medical team.
After a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Hibernian, losing Chermiti for the next game is the last thing McInnes needed.
Nafisa
