Rangers’ £10m Chermiti Deal Sparks Fury from Ex‑Midfielder Ferguson

Kieran Lockhart

When Youssef Chermiti, the 21‑year‑old Portuguese striker, arrived at Ibrox Stadium in the summer of 2024, Rangers Football Club paid a reported £10 million – a sum that has left former midfielder Derek Ferguson baffled and director of football Kevin Thelwell under fire, especially after manager Russell Martin reportedly opposed the signing.

Background: Rangers’ summer 2024 transfer spree

Rangers entered the 2024 summer window with a clear mandate: plug the holes left by departing forwards Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers. The club disclosed a total spend of roughly £35 million, with the Chermiti deal alone accounting for almost 29 percent of that outlay. For a team that finished fourth in the 2023‑24 Scottish Premiership, the gamble was meant to restart a title challenge that has eluded the Glasgow side since the 2020‑21 campaign.

The Chermiti signing: what the club paid for

Everton Football Club agreed to release the forward for a base fee of £8 million plus performance‑related add‑ons that could push the total to £10 million. Chermiti had logged just 13 first‑team appearances for the Premier League side and spent most of his developmental years with Sporting CP’s B team. On the international stage he earned 17 caps and netted three goals for Portugal’s Under‑21 side between 2022 and 2024.

The deal was presented as a long‑term investment: a young talent with the technical skill set to thrive in a high‑pressing system favored by Martin. Yet within weeks of his debut, Chermiti had made only two brief substitute appearances, failing to register a goal or an assist. The silence on his impact has only amplified the scrutiny.

Inside the dressing‑room: Ferguson’s criticism and Martin’s stance

Speaking to Ibrox News on 23 September 2025, Ferguson said, “I can’t understand why the club have taken such a gamble. £10 million is not spare change – it’s a statement of intent that the fans are not seeing on the pitch.” He added that the pressure on the 21‑year‑old is “unreasonable” given his limited match minutes.

Martin, when asked about the signing in a post‑match press conference in August, replied, “We evaluate every player on what they bring to the squad. My view was that we had enough options up front, but the board ultimately decided.” His comments hinted at a growing rift between the coaching staff and the front office.

Fan reaction in G51 and the wider Premiership picture

The G51 postcode – the north‑west district that encompasses the Ibrox faithful – has become a hotbed of debate on social media. Supporters’ forums are awash with memes likening Chermiti to a “Euro‑2000 lottery ticket” and calls for Thelwell to be held accountable. One fan wrote, “If he doesn’t score by Christmas, we’ll be hearing about it for the rest of the season.”

Across the Scottish Premiership, rival clubs have taken note. Aberdeen’s manager suggested that Rangers’ heavy investment could backfire, while Celtic’s scouting department reportedly sees the situation as an opportunity to attract disillusioned Rangers fans.

What’s next for Thelwell and Chermiti?

Thelwell, who arrived from Liverpool’s academy set‑up in July 2023, has weathered criticism before – notably over the under‑whelming return of striker Ché Alvarez. In a recent interview with the Glasgow Herald, he said, “Every signing carries risk. We believe Chermiti has the attributes to become a top‑level forward; patience is part of the process.” Whether that patience will be extended depends on the striker’s next handful of games.

If Chermiti fails to deliver, Rangers could be forced into the January market, potentially off‑loading the player to recoup part of the outlay. Conversely, a breakthrough – a first goal or assist – could quiet the G51 chatter and validate Thelwell’s vision.

Key facts

Transfer fee: £10 million (including add‑ons)
Age: 21 years
Previous club: Everton FC (Premier League)
International record: 17 U‑21 caps, 3 goals for Portugal
Rangers’ 2024 summer spend: £35 million total

At its core, the Chermiti saga is a test of how far Rangers are willing to go to return to the summit of Scottish football – and whether the club’s hierarchy can align with the coaching staff and the passionate G51 fanbase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Rangers pay £10 million for a player with limited first‑team experience?

The club saw Chermiti as a high‑potential talent who could develop into a prolific scorer under Martin’s system. The fee reflected both his age, international pedigree, and the belief that he could be sold for a higher amount later.

How has manager Russell Martin responded to the signing?

Martin has publicly stated that he respects the board’s decision but maintains that his original squad plan did not include Chermiti. He stresses that the player must earn his place through performance in training and matches.

What are the expectations of fans in the G51 area?

Supporters expect Chermiti to start contributing goals and assists within the next few weeks. The high transfer fee has amplified their demand for immediate impact, and many have warned that patience may wear thin if the striker remains a substitute.

Could the Chermiti deal affect Kevin Thelwell’s future at Rangers?

If the player fails to meet expectations, Thelwell could face heightened scrutiny from the board and supporters. Conversely, a breakthrough performance would bolster his reputation as a shrewd recruiter willing to invest in young talent.

What does this transfer mean for Rangers’ overall strategy this season?

The sizable outlay signals a commitment to revamp the attacking line‑up after the departures of Igamane and Dessers. Success hinges on Chermiti’s integration, but the club’s broader plan includes bolstering depth with additional signings in the winter window if needed.