Rangers’ sporting director Kevin Thelwell came under scrutiny after the club splashed £8 million on striker Youssef Chermiti under ex-boss Russell Martin. Thelwell, who had previously been involved in Chermiti’s £12 million move from Sporting to Everton in 2023, backed the deal despite early struggles from the 21-year-old Portuguese forward.
Chermiti has scored just once since joining Rangers, raising questions over his price tag. Former player Gordon Smith criticized the signing, saying he wouldn’t have brought Chermiti in even on a free transfer, citing the striker’s limited goalscoring record. “I just couldn’t understand why they possibly could be interested in him,” Smith said.
Chermiti’s first goal came against Kilmarnock last month, but subsequent games, including outings against Hibs, Celtic, and in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, saw him miss key chances. Smith stressed the importance of stats in evaluating strikers, drawing on lessons from his own playing career.
Thelwell, meanwhile, defended the signing, describing Chermiti as a “top talent” with potential to develop and contribute to Rangers’ future success.