Unexpected twist revealed in Rangers’ Chermiti and Naderi saga | OneFootball

Earlier on, we discussed the unexpected bid for Youssef Chermiti, totalling around £13M from Turkish giants Fenerbahce. We also explained there was a twist in this tale, and we will get to that here. Essentially, a major reason Rangers would not accept this bid relates to timing. This is late in January with only three or four days left. Getting a replacement would be difficult at this stage. This is why many fans would justify rejecting the bid.

The poll and the hidden timing issue

The Ibrox Noise poll confirmed the vast majority wanted Rangers to sell. Around 75 percent wanted the sale. However, those against it argued replacing him now would be tough. There is, however, a twist to this. The bid for Chermiti was actually received around a week ago. Rangers have sat on this information for some time, and that is where Ryan Naderi came into the picture.

The Naderi link

Rangers did not reject the bid immediately. They rejected it only when the Ryan Naderi deal looked to collapse. As Ibrox Noise and Rangers fans know, Rangers bid around £2.5M for Ryan Naderi of Hansa Rostock. Curiously, the Germans did not reject the bid financially. It was rejected due to timing and replacement issues. Rangers did not reject the Chermiti bid until the Naderi deal fell through, and that detail matters.

What happens next

The idea was simple. Rangers would sell Chermiti and replace him with Naderi. Naderi was earmarked as his replacement. He is a similar type and a physical striker. That plan progressed well until Rostock needed a replacement themselves, which changed everything. Consequently, the Chermiti deal was not rejected financially. It was rejected purely due to timing.

The Chermiti deal has not truly been rejected. It has only stalled because of the window stage. If Rangers secure a replacement, Naderi or someone else, Fenerbahce will get their man. Rangers may still claim they played this well. Fenerbahce are determined to land Chermiti and intend to return with another bid. As said before, it could reach around £18M.

We will see what happens before the window closes. The activity has ramped up fast. What drama.