Youssef Chermiti has become a subject of transfer interest in Portugal as Rangers brace themselves for an intense transfer battle this summer.
Eyebrows were raised when the Light Blues forked out £8million to sign Chermiti from Everton last summer, with his performances early on in the season doing little to reduce scepticism.
However, the Portuguese striker has since got the fans back on his side, with Kris Boyd among those who have admitted he was wrong about the player.
Having bagged two hat-tricks in his debut season at Rangers, Chermiti ended the 2025-26 season with 15 goals and five assists in 41 games for the club.
This has seen him attract interest from several clubs, including Besiktas and Galatasaray in Turkiye.
How much should Rangers demand for Youssef Chermiti?
He scored 15 goals in his first season at Ibrox…
Chermiti’s mentor gives green signal to Porto transfer
A return to Portugal is also on the cards for Chermiti, with Porto credited with an interest in him this summer.
Joao Couto, who was a mentor to the 22-year-old in the Sporting CP youth setup, has given his green light for him to join the Dragons.
However, the former technical director of Sporting’s academy has admitted that he prefers to see Chermiti return to the Lisbon giants.
Assessing the Rangers frontman further, Couto pointed out that Portuguese fans still have high hopes for Chermiti, who is tipped to emerge as the country’s top striker at some stage.
The veteran went on to explain how the transfer from Sporting to Everton in 2023 has helped the centre-forward evolve as a player despite his struggles on Merseyside.
Speaking to Bola Branca, he said: “I would like him to return to Sporting, but Porto are a very good club for him.
“I remember when he was a beginner, and people envisioned him as a future striker for the country.
“His departure helped him. He had a different style of football; he had to adapt, and he faced difficulties. This enriched him in terms of football.”
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Rangers should sell Chermiti
Having found his footing in Scottish football in the second half of his debut season at Ibrox, Chermiti is expected to kick on next term.
Therefore, it is understandable why the Gers would be reluctant to sanction a transfer for the Portuguese frontman this summer.
However, the Andrew Cavenagh-run club must park all such feelings and do what is best for business by selling Chermiti, especially if they receive an offer close to £30m.
Danny Rohl‘s side are in a strong position to demand a significant sum for the player, as even clubs in the Premier League have been making enquiries for him.
