Rangers

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Getty Images

It is nearly 25 years since Rangers splashed £12m on Tore Andre Flo. The Norwegian remains the club's record transfer, but the reported £8m fee paid to Everton for Youssef Chermiti on deadline day was still more than enough to raise eyebrows.

Chermiti, 21, didn't score for Everton in 24 appearances after a reported £11.5m move from Sporting in 2023.

So why have Rangers spent so much for a player with such an underwhelming record and what might the Portugal Under-21 international bring to Ibrox?

Well, he has been a player of promise for some time.

Having come through the prestigious Sporting academy, Chermiti made his debut as a 19-year-old, coming off the bench in a 2-2 draw at Benfica.

Also in the Sporting team that day were Manuel Ugarte - who has since played for Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United - and Tottenham's Pedro Porro.

After Chermiti's debut, manager Ruben Amorim - now of Man United - said: "Looking at Chermiti... we're discussing a new contract with him. If he signs a new contract, we won't be looking for another forward. He, Rodrigo, and Paulinho are my forwards. I promise you, if he signs a new contract, I won't be looking for another centre-forward."

A first senior goal followed a month later as he took the ball in his stride and found the bottom corner to earn a 1-0 win against Rio Ave.

Chermiti finished the season with three goals in 16 league appearances, showing enough ability to prompt that switch to Everton.

It was an impressive rise, but one that stalled on Merseyside. Chermiti started just one league match in two seasons - a 1-0 win over Brentford in April 2024 - and made just only appearances in the entirety of last term.

Everton have lost money on him, cutting their losses on a player who has fallen down the pecking order under David Moyes.

Now he arrives in Glasgow with pressure to deliver both goals and wins as Russell Martin attempts to recover from a rocky start to his tenure as head coach.

Rangers were active on transfer deadline day, splashing out big money for striker Youssef Chermiti and bringing in Canada defender Derek Cornelius on loan.

Cyriel Dessers followed fellow striker Hamza Igamane in departing Ibrox as Russell Martin's summer squad revamp was completed.

Rangers fans, are you pleased with the club's transfer business? Does it leave the squad in good shape for the season ahead - or is Martin light in certain positions?

Let us know your thoughts.

Image source, SNS

Rangers made two eye-catching signings on transfer deadline day, but might keeping hold of Nicolas Raskin prove to be their best bit of business?

The Belgium midfielder was left out of the squad for the goalless Old Firm derby draw on Sunday, but remains at Ibrox after the window closed and is reportedly set for clear-the-air talks with head coach Russell Martin.

"Raskin is still at Rangers which might actually be the biggest news of yesterday for the fans because a couple of days ago I just couldn't see that happening," said Daily Record and Sunday Mail sports writer Scott McDermott on the BBC's Scottish football podcast.

"I'm really surprised that Raskin's still there given everything that's happened in the build-up to the Old Firm game and even Russell Martin's comments in the aftermath.

"But for the supporters they'll be absolutely delighted that Raskin's still there. And that's going to be really fascinating, because it feels like in modern football just now where it's all about player power, very rarely does the manager win one of these arguments.

"But it feels from the outside like this is one that Martin has won. And in a World Cup year where Raskin wants to play for Belgium, it looks like he's going to have to go cap in hand to the manager.

"He's going to need to find out exactly what Martin wants of him and what it's going to take to get back in that squad."

Image source, Getty Images

Rangers have signed defender Derek Cornelius on a season-long loan deal from Marseille.

The Ibrox club have an option to make the move permanent next summer.

The 27-year-old made 23 appearances across both Ligue 1 and Coupe De France last season.

Cornelius has made 35 appearances for the Canadian national team.

"I am excited to be here, and I am excited to finally get going," he told club media.

"What excited me is that it is such a massive club with such a passionate fanbase, so that is always exciting playing in front of fans that are going to support you and really push you over the edge.

"It is always something that every footballer looks forward to, so I am looking forward to playing in front of these supporters, giving it my all and winning a lot of matches."

Rangers head coach Russell Martin said: "His experience and leadership will be vital in enhancing our backline, whilst adding a left-sided defender adds further balance to the squad.

"He featured heavily in a top league last season, highlighting his qualities, and we are confident he will shine further in a Rangers jersey.

"I am looking forward to working with him following the conclusion of the international break."

Image source, SNS

Rangers have sold striker Cyriel Dessers to Panathinaikos for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old Nigeria international has signed a four-year contract with the Greek Superleague club.

Dessers signed for Rangers from Serie A club Cremonese in July 2023 on a four-year deal.

He went on to make 116 appearances, scoring 52 goals and 17 assists.

However, four of his seven appearances this season under new head coach Russell Martin have come from the bench and he has found the net only once.

"Everyone at the club thanks Cyriel for his contribution during his time in Glasgow, and we wish him well for the future," Rangers say in a statement.

Sportscene pundit Andy Halliday analyses the pressure Russell Martin is under, whether there is cause for optimism after the draw against Celtic and what the Ibrox side need before the transfer window shuts.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Rangers will be busy on transfer deadline day and are closing in on two new arrivals - Everton striker Youssef Chermiti and Marseille defender Derek Cornelius.

In terms of outgoings, Cyriel Dessers is close to agreeing a transfer to Greece, most likely Panathanaikos.

Rangers would like to move other players on and are working towards that end.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Rangers (0.15) and Celtic (0.17) ended Sunday's derby with a combined expected goals rating of 0.32. In short, that is bad. Very bad.

In fact, it is the lowest total accumulated in a Premiership game since the xG stat became a thing in the 2019-20 season.

Essentially, that means the quality of chances both sides created amounted to very, very little.

Rangers had no shots on target - the first time they had failed to do so in a league game since an Old Firm derby in January 2021.

Meanwhile, Celtic had just two. At the half-time whistle, Rodgers' side had not even attempted an effort - a first for them in a league match since November 2017.

That also means they are the only Premiership team to fail to register a first-half goal attempt against Rangers this term.

Motherwell had two, Dundee had three and St Mirren had eight. Even third-tier Alloa Athletic had multiple efforts in the first half of their League Cup defeat at Ibrox earlier this month.

Rodgers' men had played extra-time and penalties in their Champions League exit on Tuesday before a 3,500-mile trip home from Kazakhstan, but that is still a sobering statistic for a Celtic side struggling at the top end of the pitch.

Rangers, however, can take comfort from that given they were a defensive mess in their six-goal defeat away to Club Brugge on Wednesday.

"I was really proud with the response," Martin told BBC Scotland. "Especially the guys who haven't played much recently.

"We need to show that level of togetherness all the time. We've got something to build on."

Image source, SNS

Rangers winger Oscar Cortes has joined Sporting Gijon on a season-long loan deal.

The Colombian winger originally signed for the Ibrox club on loan from Lens in February 2024 before a second loan spell for the 2024-25 season, which included an obligation to buy for a reported fee of £4.5m.

That deal went through this summer, but Cortes has been a fringe figure under Russell Martin and heads to Sporting in search of regular minutes.

In total, he has played 21 times for Rangers, scoring one goal.

Sporting are second in the Spanish second tier after winning all three of their league matches so far this season.

Image source, SNS

Bojan Miovski is sure Rangers can make up the six-point deficit to Celtic following Sunday's goalless derby draw at Ibrox on Sunday.

The 26-year-old North Macedonia striker made a starting debut, having signed from Girona the day before.

The former Aberdeen forward lasted 72 minutes and was largely starved of service in a drab game.

"It's too early," he said of the gap to league leaders Celtic. "It's only four games in the league, so it's a lot of games to play. It's no big difference.

"I'm here to help the team, to score goals, of course, to win trophies because in this team we need to always fight for the trophies.

"If you don't win trophies here, it is a disappointing season for everyone.

"I know that it is a lot of pressure here. But this is why I came.

"I have big ambitions and the club have big ambitions, so I'm here to help the team.

"I think we showed good character. I think we will just be better and better."

Rangers fans, we asked for your thoughts after a fourth successive league draw, this time a drab 0-0 affair against Celtic.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Brian: The performance today should be a definite step forward for the rest of the season. The signing of Bojan Miovski is a great move, one of Russell Martin's best. If he gets the service he will serve us well.

David: There are some positives to take from that. More direct and combative and fewer heart-stopping moments in defence. Kept the ball quite well for the most part but still not quite connected enough to carve out real chances. Didn't expect to be encouraged after Sunday but cautiously so.

Richard: Frustrating as a Rangers fan to watch Celtic play a toothless game at Ibrox and we don't take advantage. It's a bad result for us as we don't close any point gap or get our first win but it will paper over the cracks somewhat in the boards' eyes at least. Nothing malicious against Martin but his "philosophy" and Rangers don't mix. To say his side were fantastic in an Old Firm at home and never had a shot on target is another little thing that shows he just doesn't get it.

Liam: Martin needs the sack ASAP. Yes Celtic were atrocious today but so were Rangers. Zero shots on target is appalling.

Alan: Celtic were there for the taking. Just shows how bad this present Rangers team are that they couldn't finish them off.

Matthew: It was better desire from Rangers, but let's not pretend it wasn't a terrible match. The quality from both teams was shocking. One of the most alarming things about Martin's style of play is the lack of shots on target. How are we expected to win matches when we're the most goal-shy version of Rangers I've ever seen in over 20 years of supporting the club? Really worrying.

Arran: Martin needs to go. Yes we've got a 0-0 in the Old Firm but at Ibrox? That second half was dire. We should have scored at least one other goal and while it is completely fair that Celtic are a very big side to go against we had more than enough to score against them. The switch to Martin's tactics at half-time cost us more possible chances we could have. Four games, four draws, change is needed. He simply doesn't have it for our team.

Watch the highlights as Rangers and Celtic played out a goalless draw at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership.

UK users only.

Celtic have joined Rangers, Lyon and Leicester City in the race to land 22-year-old Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan. (Sky Sports), external

Rangers and Wrexham have submitted formal bids for Norwich City's 33-year-old Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean. (Football Insider), external

AEK Athens and Panathinaikos have both had bids accepted by Rangers for Cyriel Dessers and the striker is likely to join the latter in a transfer worth £3.1m plus add-ons. (Rangers Review), external

Everton striker Youseff Chermiti is undergoing his medical ahead of a permanent move to Rangers. (Alan Myers on X), external

Rangers' deal for 21-year-old Everton striker Youssef Chermiti could rise up to as much as £10m. (Daily Record), external

Derek Cornelius will not be joining Alaves after they failed to reach an agreement with Marseille and the Canada centre-half will sign with Rangers. (Sacha Tavolieri on X), external

Rangers' 21-year-old centre-half Clinton Nsiala is on his way to Dynamo Kiev on loan. (Scottish Sun), external

Image source, Getty Images

The Scottish transfer window closes at 23:00 BST on Monday 1 September so there's still time for business to be done.

What do Rangers need to do before the window slams shut?

Have your say here

Rangers' winless Scottish Premiership start to the season continued in a spirited but goalless Old Firm stalemate with blunt Celtic.

Have your say on the game here.

Read the match report here.

Image source, SNS

Rangers head coach Russell Martin told BBC Scotland: "I'm disappointed we didn't win because I felt we were good for large parts, but I'm really proud of the players' level of fight, desire, aggression, all things we questioned inside and outside of the building.

"That was a big focus today, to really fight and show some togetherness and spirit and aggression, and there was so much of that. We couldn't find the composure at times.

"It's an important clean sheet, an important point. We're six points off top, which is frustrating for us, but it gives us something to hunt.

"I was really proud with the response, especially the guys who haven't played much recently.

"Maybe we've played too much importance on certain things and taken for granted that level of intensity and desire every week. We need to show that level of togetherness all the time. We've got something to build on."

On Cyriel Dessers' future: "Cyriel has probably played his last game for us, we've agreed something with another club. We'll see how that goes in the next 24 hours.

"We hope to definitely have a couple in and we'll see what happens after that depending on who goes here."

On reported target Youssef Chermit, who is currently at Everton: "He's a player we like. I'm sure you'll find out very soon."

We asked for your views on Rangers signing former Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski from Girona.

Here's what some of you said:

John: Good signing, just hope he gets decent service as we are not creating chances.

Ross: Miovski did a good job at Aberdeen and should be a good signing. However it will depend on how he is played. Don't have faith in Russell Martin producing the best from any player.

Steve: You can't tell me this guy has only just come on the radar for Rangers. Why didn't the club think it would have been a good idea to get him in for the European qualifying games? If it has been a deal that's only just materialised then that also looks like they are shooting from the hip in getting players in. That said, I think he will be a good addition if he gets the service.

DivtheBear: Underwhelming. The best we can come up with is a guy who used to play for Aberdeen. It lacks creativity. I always thought he was okay, nothing special.

Ray: This looks like the right signing for me and the only new player I would have faith in so far. Not a panic buy in my humble opinion. I look forward to him banging them in!

Allan: It's nice that when the new manager comes in he might have a decent striker to work with...

Rangers are close to sealing an £8m deal for Everton striker Youssef Chermiti. (Scottish Sun), external

Rangers face competition for Marseille defender Derek Cornelius from Serie A clubs Cremonese and Bologna, according to reports in Italy. (Scottish Sun), external

Panathinaikos have moved ahead of Greek rivals AEK Athens in the race for Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers. (Giannis Chorianopoulos on X), external

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, SNS

The dates and times of Rangers' Thursday night fixtures in the Europa League have been announced.

Genk are the first team to travel to Ibrox on 25 September. Roma are next to visit on 6 November, with Braga following on 27 November.

The home games finish with Ludogorets visiting Glasgow on 22 January.

Rangers' first away trip is to Sturm Graz on 2 October, followed by SK Brann, Ferencvaros and Porto.

In full:

25 Sep - Genk (H) - 20:00 BST

2 Oct - Sturm Graz (A) - 20:00 BST

23 Oct - SK Brann (A) - 17:45 BST

6 Nov - Roma (H) - 20:00 GMT

27 Nov - Braga (H) - 20:00 GMT

11 Dec- Ferencvaros (A) - 17:45 GMT

22 Jan - Ludogorets (H) - 20:00 GMT

29 Jan - Porto (A) - 20:00 GMT