Manager Derek McInnes says Rangers are taking a proactive approach to signing a new striker after Youssef Chermiti was ruled out long term, warning that defensive injuries mean the club is “playing with fire”.
Chermiti, 22, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Saturday’s defeat to Hibernian, shortly after McInnes confirmed a bid for the Portugal Under-21 international had been rejected. The former Everton forward has been linked with Galatasaray.
He will consult a specialist in London, with surgery potentially next week.
Left-back Tuur Rommens is also out for up to eight weeks after sustaining a groin injury in the same match.
Ahead of Thursday’s Europa League third-round qualifier at home to Jagiellonia Bialystok, where they trail 2-1 from the first leg, McInnes called Chermiti’s setback a major disappointment.
He said Chermiti was central to their plans and, given his age, the news will be tough for the player to process. The silver lining, McInnes added, is that the timing within the transfer window allows the club to respond.
Although a substantial offer—exact figures unknown—was reportedly made for Chermiti and turned down, McInnes said that matter is now closed.
He confirmed the club is actively exploring options to bolster the attack, noting that top strikers are typically the hardest to secure.