Rangers have already started making major moves ahead of the new season, but one transfer situation is now dominating discussion among supporters at Ibrox.
The arrival of Lawrence Shankland from Hearts has not only strengthened Danny Röhl’s attacking options — it may also have opened the door for a massive departure.
According to recent reports, Rangers could now seriously consider selling Youssef Chermiti this summer if the right offer arrives. The Portuguese forward enjoyed a strong campaign in Scotland, finishing with 15 league goals and becoming one of the club’s most dangerous attacking players during key moments of the season.
But with Shankland now arriving at Ibrox on a free transfer, Rangers suddenly find themselves with a difficult decision to make.
Do they cash in on Chermiti while his value is at its highest? Or do they keep him and build a stronger attack capable of finally challenging Celtic consistently over an entire season?
Supporters are completely divided.
Shankland Arrival Changes Everything
The signing of Lawrence Shankland has been viewed by many Rangers fans as one of the smartest moves of the summer so far. The Scottish striker arrives with experience, leadership qualities, and a proven record in front of goal after impressing with Hearts.
Rangers managed to secure the striker on a free transfer after activating a clause in his Hearts contract, with the 30-year-old signing a two-year deal that also includes the option of an additional 12 months.
From a financial perspective, it is an excellent piece of business.
Shankland knows the Scottish Premiership, understands the pressure of playing in Glasgow, and brings the kind of leadership many supporters believe Rangers lacked during crucial moments last season.
However, his arrival has immediately created questions about the future of Chermiti.
The Portuguese striker was already attracting attention in January when Rangers reportedly rejected a £13 million bid from Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Reports also suggested the club turned down multiple offers worth more than £20 million during the winter window.
At the time, Rangers had no intention of selling.
Now, however, the situation appears very different.
Chermiti’s Impressive Season Cannot Be Ignored
Despite inconsistency at times, Chermiti still managed to finish the season with 15 goals in the Scottish Premiership, only one behind Shankland’s tally.
He also contributed five assists, showing that his overall attacking game continues to improve.
More importantly, the 22-year-old often stepped up during difficult moments for Rangers. His energy, movement, and ability to stretch defenders gave the team a different dimension in attack, particularly during matches where Rangers struggled to break opponents down.
There were also flashes of real quality in the biggest games.
His performances against Celtic and later against Falkirk reminded supporters exactly why Rangers invested heavily to bring him to Ibrox in the first place.
At just 22 years old, many inside the club still believe Chermiti has enormous potential and could become one of the most valuable players Rangers have developed in years.
That is why the idea of selling him this summer is creating such intense debate among supporters.
PSV Interest Adds More Pressure
PSV Eindhoven have recently been linked with Chermiti, while clubs in Turkey are also believed to remain interested after their failed January attempts to sign the striker.
Reports suggest Rangers would demand a record-breaking fee before even considering a sale, with negotiations potentially beginning around the £30 million mark.
If Rangers were to receive an offer close to that figure, the financial temptation would become extremely difficult to ignore.
After all, Rangers originally paid around £8 million to sign Chermiti from Everton, meaning a sale in the region of £25m-£30m would represent enormous profit for the club.
In modern football, those kinds of deals can completely transform a transfer window.
The money could allow Danny Röhl to strengthen multiple positions across the squad, including midfield, defence, and additional attacking depth.
And after another frustrating campaign, Rangers clearly need improvements in several areas.
Danny Röhl Faces Huge Decision
This is where the situation becomes complicated.
Röhl is under massive pressure heading into the new season. Rangers supporters expect immediate progress, especially after the disappointment of last season’s collapse during the title race.
The manager knows another failed campaign could quickly turn the atmosphere toxic around Ibrox.
That means every transfer decision this summer carries huge importance.
Röhl reportedly has strong belief in Ryan Naderi, who joined Rangers in January and is viewed internally as another player with major potential.
But balancing Shankland, Chermiti, and Naderi within the same squad will not be easy.
Shankland will expect regular football after arriving as one of the club’s marquee signings. Chermiti remains one of Rangers’ biggest attacking assets. Naderi is also viewed as a player who needs opportunities to continue developing.
Keeping all three happy could become difficult.
However, selling Chermiti immediately after bringing in Shankland could also be viewed as extremely risky.
Why Selling Chermiti Could Backfire
Goals are incredibly difficult to replace.
Rangers supporters know that better than anyone after several recent transfer windows where outgoing quality was not properly replaced.
While Shankland is undoubtedly a reliable goalscorer, he turns 31 in August and cannot realistically be viewed as a long-term solution for the club.
Chermiti, on the other hand, is still developing.
His pace, physical presence, and potential ceiling make him one of the most exciting young forwards Rangers have had in years. Many supporters believe selling him now would be giving up on a player who has not even come close to reaching his peak.
There is also the danger that Chermiti explodes elsewhere.
If Rangers sell him this summer and he develops into a top-level striker in the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe, criticism toward the board would be enormous.
Supporters have seen situations like this before, where young players leave Scotland and suddenly take massive steps forward in their careers.
That fear is adding even more emotion to the debate.
Why Rangers May Still Be Tempted
Despite the risks, Rangers may still feel this is the perfect moment to maximise Chermiti’s value.
The club’s recruitment strategy appears to be changing under Röhl and the current board structure.
There is now stronger focus on leadership, mentality, and players with experience in Scottish football.
Shankland perfectly fits that profile.
Rangers also know that player values can drop very quickly.
If Chermiti suffers a dip in form next season or struggles for consistency, the huge offers currently being discussed could disappear completely.
That is why some people inside the club may believe this summer represents the ideal time to cash in.
Financial Fair Play concerns, squad restructuring, and the pressure to improve the overall balance of the team are all likely playing a role in the discussions.
And if a club genuinely offers £25m or more, Rangers would face one of the biggest financial decisions in their recent history.
What Should Rangers Do?
The smartest option may actually be the simplest one.
Keep both players.
At least for now.
Allow Shankland’s experience and leadership to improve the dressing room while giving Chermiti healthy competition for places.
The Portuguese striker still has major areas of his game that can improve, particularly his consistency in front of goal and decision-making in key moments.
Learning alongside a striker like Shankland could actually help accelerate his development.
Then, if a huge offer arrives later in the summer — particularly one above £25 million — Rangers can reassess the situation from a stronger position.
Selling Chermiti immediately simply because Shankland has arrived feels reactionary.
And for a club trying to rebuild properly and close the gap on Celtic, reactionary decisions are the last thing Rangers need right now.
Final Thoughts
Rangers are entering one of the most important summers in recent years.
The pressure to get recruitment right has never been bigger, especially with supporters demanding a serious title challenge next season.
The arrival of Lawrence Shankland could prove to be an outstanding piece of business, but it has also created one of the biggest dilemmas Danny Röhl will face this summer.
Do Rangers cash in on Youssef Chermiti while his value is soaring?
Or do they hold onto one of their most exciting young attackers and try building a stronger squad capable of competing on multiple fronts?
There is no easy answer.
But one thing is certain — whatever Rangers decide could shape the direction of the club for years to come.
