Rangers Eye Summer Loan For This Everton ‘Number 9’: Why Thelwell Can Get This Done | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Rangers Review (as cited by The Scottish Sun) is believed to be true, Everton centre-forward Youssef Chermiti has emerged as a transfer target for the Light Blues. They are keen on reinforcements up top amid exit rumours of Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers, and the Toffees are also open to sanctioning a season-long loan for assured game time.

The 21-year-old Portugal youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Os Marienses, ACF Pauleta, and GD São Pedro before being roped in by Sporting CP. An impressive stint with the reserves earned him a senior status under then-boss Ruben Amorim. He made 22 first-team appearances in the 2022–23 season, and caught the eyes of Kevin Thelwell, the former Everton director of football, thus resulting in a €12.5m, potentially rising to €15m, transfer to Merseyside a couple of summers ago.

However, Chermiti has hardly been involved over the past two seasons, featuring 24 times across competitions. With Beto and the summer recruit Thierno Barry expected to challenge each other for the ‘number 9’ spot, the young Portuguese prospect would once struggle for senior minutes in Everton colours.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Youssef Chermiti of Everton shoots during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Brentford FC at Goodison Park on April 27, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

But this could change if Thelwell, now in charge of the Gers, uses his contacts and connections both with the Toffees and the player’s entourage to snap him up north of the border. Russell Martin has struggled so far to put his philosophy into practice, but his Rangers side is still a work in progress with several new signings and key exits.

Why Rangers Should Give It A Go

Meanwhile, the Light Blues previously rejected bids for Dessers, but the veteran Nigerian has emerged as a transfer target for Serie A duo Verona and Cremonese. Lille have been chasing Igamane for quite some time, but the French outfit might face competition from the Dutch giants Feyenoord.

Although Martin has Danilo to spearhead the attack, the parity must be restored high up the pitch if both of them depart. There is not much time left before the window is slammed shut, and the movements must occur soon to avoid further complications at the eleventh hour.

Rangers are also weighing up an offer for Bojan Miovski, who is no longer in Girona’s plans. The Macedonian’s scintillating two-year stint at Aberdeen makes him an obvious choice as Dessers’ successor. Igamane was a little-known name when he joined them last summer, but his flair and finesse up front could be emulated by Chermiti, who, despite not being a finished article yet, has a very high ceiling.