Qudus Salihu
Reports are swirling that Rangers Head Coach Danny Rohl is preparing to make a massive squad decision, with heavily criticised £8 million striker Youssef Chermiti set to be axed as the club pushes for a replacement in the January transfer window.
While no direct ‘leaked WhatsApp message’ has surfaced, the sentiment of the dressing room—and Rohl’s intentions—is clear from his public comments and actions. The young Portuguese striker, Chermiti, has endured a dismal period since his big-money move, scoring just one goal in 16 appearances, an investment widely seen as a “massive issue” and a misuse of funds.
Rohl has held several formal talks with Chermiti, not about his place in the squad directly, but about his professionalism and contribution. The manager was notably compelled to publicly address Chermiti’s emotional goal celebration—where he made a talking gesture to critics—stressing that it’s important for the player to improve off the pitch as well as on it. While Rohl praised Chermiti’s potential and one “fantastic training” session, he brutally demanded “consistency” at the highest level.
This lack of consistency and his low goal return have fueled reports that Chermiti will be deemed surplus to requirements as Rohl looks to be “ruthless” and reshape the squad. The possible replacement already mentioned is a new, proven “prolific striker” who can provide goals on a regular basis. Rohl has reportedly commenced a personal scouting mission and has been granted the request by the board to find a new No. 9, which would effectively replace Chermiti as the main forward option.
For Rangers fans, the news signals Rohl’s intent to waste no time fixing the squad’s most glaring weakness: a lack of quality and reliable goalscoring in key areas. The £8 million man’s time at Ibrox appears set for an abrupt end in the New Year.
Qudus Salihu
Rabiu Aminu
