Despite bolstering the squad this month by roping in Tuur Rommens, Tochi Chukwuani and Andreas Skov Olsen, Rangers have received significant offers for two of their summer signings. According to Rangers Review, Monaco tabled a loan with an obligation to buy deal in excess of £10m for Djeidi Gassama; also, Fenerbahce submitted a bid of around £13m for Youssef Chermiti, as per The Telegraph.
However, Danny Rohl has not sanctioned either, as the German chief considers the pair integral to their title challenge. While their departures would have boosted their finances, the Light Blues might find it difficult to snap up like-for-like replacements before Monday’s deadline.
Russell Martin and Kevin Thelwell were heavily criticised for their summer business. They have been relieved from their respective roles, and the fans criticised the majority of their new signings, including Gassama and Chermiti, for their lack of end product high up the pitch.
Why Rangers Still Need Gassama Despite Skov Olsen’s Arrival
Gassama joined Rangers from Sheffield Wednesday for £2.2m, and the former Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate would fancy the opportunity of returning to France. He lost his place to Skov Olsen against Dundee, but found the net in the closing minutes as a ‘super sub’. Although he has only scored twice and assisted three times in 23 Premiership appearances, his initial weeks during the Champions League qualifiers set the expectations high among the Ibrox faithful.
Moreover, Rohl has transfer-listed several fringe wingers. Danilo has emerged as a target for the Dutch side NEC Nijmegen, and the likes of Nedim Bajrami and Rabbi Matondo would also be offloaded either on loan or permanent transfers. Findlay Curtis is expected to join Kilmarnock for the remainder of the campaign, therefore, leaving the gaffer with Skov Olsen, Gassama, Oliver Antman and Mikey Moore as the only designated wide attacking options.
Why Rangers Should Keep Hold Of Chermiti
Chermiti, on the other hand, faced a lot more backlash for his wastefulness as a ‘number 9’. The club splashed £8m to secure his services from Everton, but could have made a decent profit six months later had they accepted Fener’s offer. In the wake of their growing interest in Ryan Naderi, it remains to be seen whether the Gers cash in on the 21-year-old if the Turkish giants follow up on their initial approach.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese striker has shown a gradual improvement after scoring just once in his first 11 league games. But he has fired in thrice in his last five Premiership encounters, and losing him at this stage could jeopardise their battle for the coveted silverware.
