Rangers Sign Two Player as Dessers Departs

Rangers have made a double swoop in the transfer market with the signing of Youssef Chermiti from Everton and Derek Cornelius from Marseille, while confirming the departure of striker Cyriel Dessers to Panathinaikos.

Chermiti Joins on Four-Year Deal

Youssef Chermiti, 21, arrives at Ibrox on a permanent deal from Everton for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year contract. The Portuguese Under-21 international had previously come through the ranks at Sporting CP, where he made 22 appearances and scored three goals in the 2022-23 season.

His move to Everton in 2023, reportedly worth £11.5 million rising to £14 million, failed to ignite as expected. Chermiti made 24 appearances for the Toffees, but started only twice and failed to score during his time in the Premier League.

Despite his lack of goals in England, Rangers head coach Russell Martin is confident in the young forward’s future.

"He's a young striker with huge potential," said Martin.
"At just 21, he already has valuable experience at a high level and we believe this is the right environment for him to continue his development. We're excited to work with him over the coming years."

Chermiti becomes the second striker signed by Rangers within four days, following the arrival of Bojan Miovski from Girona. His move also reunites him with Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who originally signed him for Everton.

"I know his character well from our time at Everton," said Thelwell.
"We believe he can develop into a top striker here and we're confident that Rangers is the right place for him to take that next step."

Chermiti added:

"When I spoke with Kevin and Russell, I knew straight away that I wanted to join the club."

Cornelius Arrives from Marseille on Loan

Rangers also bolstered their defence with the addition of Canadian international Derek Cornelius on a season-long loan from Marseille, with an option to buy. The 27-year-old centre-back has been capped 35 times for Canada and brings leadership and top-level experience to the Ibrox backline.

Cornelius made 23 appearances (17 starts) for Ligue 1 runners-up Marseille last season but has struggled for minutes this term, playing just twice as a substitute. He was previously a key figure at Malmo, before moving to France a year ago.

“Martin and Thelwell were keen to add someone with leadership qualities to their defence,” said Cornelius.
“I’m excited for the opportunity and to play in front of the Rangers fans.”

Dessers Departs for Greece

Meanwhile, Rangers have parted ways with Cyriel Dessers, who has joined Greek Super League side Panathinaikos for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old Nigerian international, who joined from Cremonese in July 2023, made 115 appearances and scored 52 goals for Rangers. Despite his goal tally, Dessers fell out of favour under Russell Martin, starting just three of his seven appearances this season, and scoring only once.

Cortes Loaned Out

In a further squad reshuffle, winger Oscar Cortes has been sent on loan to Sporting Gijón in Spain’s Segunda División. The 21-year-old Colombian had his £4.5 million transfer from Lens made permanent earlier this summer, but has not featured in Martin’s plans.