AliousRangers Seal £8m Deadline Day Coup as Portuguese Starlet Youssef Chermiti Signs Long-Term Deal
Rangers have wrapped up one of the most eye-catching moves of deadline day, confirming the arrival of Youssef Chermiti from Everton on a four-year contract.
The 21-year-old striker joins the Glasgow giants for a fee understood to be around £8million, with a further £2million in performance-related add-ons.
The Portuguese youth international’s signing comes at a pivotal moment for the Ibrox outfit, who recently sanctioned Hamza Igamane’s switch to Lille and are bracing for Cyriel Dessers’ imminent departure to Panathinaikos.
Chermiti’s addition provides a much-needed boost to the attacking department as Michael Beale reshapes his forward line.
Everton originally snapped up Chermiti from Sporting CP in a deal worth £11million just two summers ago, but his time on Merseyside never fully took off.
Restricted to a mere 42 minutes of Premier League football last season, the promising striker has now opted for a fresh start in Scotland.
Speaking upon the move’s confirmation, Chermiti could not hide his excitement:
> “I am really happy to be here. When I spoke with Kevin and Russell, I knew instantly this was the right place for me.
I can’t wait to meet everyone, the staff, my new teammates and of course the fans. I’ve heard so much about the incredible atmosphere here at Ibrox, and I’m eager to experience it myself.”
Despite limited opportunities in England, Chermiti’s pedigree remains undeniable.
With 14 goals in 37 appearances for Portugal’s youth sides, he has been likened back home to AC Milan star Rafael Leão, who has racked up 70 goals for the Rossoneri. Rangers see the young forward as a long-term project with the potential to develop into a marquee player.
Rangers head coach Martin voiced his enthusiasm:
> “We’re thrilled to bring Youssef here. He’s only 21, but he already carries valuable experience and displays the qualities we’ve been seeking in that role.
We’re confident that Rangers is the right environment for him to flourish, and we’re looking forward to helping him unlock his potential.”
Sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who first signed Chermiti for Everton in 2023, also played a pivotal role in the move:
> “I know Youssef well and I’ve always been impressed with his attitude, professionalism, and hunger. He’s a player with the right character and ambition to succeed here. We believe he can evolve into a top striker, and we’re delighted to welcome him into the club.”
For Rangers, this signing underlines an ambitious approach to squad building—securing a player once touted as one of Portugal’s brightest prospects and compared to one of Serie A’s most lethal forwards.
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