Rangers complete signing of Everton's Youssef Chermiti on four-year deal

Rangers have signed forward Youssef Chermiti from Everton in a deal understood to be worth £8m, and added Derek Cornelius on loan from Marseille.

Chermiti has signed a four-year deal at Ibrox and the 21-year-old becomes the club’s 12th signing of the transfer window.

He moved to Everton in 2023 after making the breakthrough in Portugal and impressing in the top flight after being promoted from Sporting’s B team. The English Premier League side reportedly paid around £11m for the striker.

The player, who has played for Portugal at every youth level, made 24 appearances for the Blues, mostly as a substitute. He was behind Beto and Thierno Barry in the pecking order and was not included in the squad for the midweek EFL Cup game against Mansfield.

Everton manager David Moyes said on Friday that the striker may go out on loan, but Rangers negotiated a permanent move and Chermiti says he can’t wait to get started.

“I am really happy to be here, when I spoke with Kevin (Thelwell) and Russell (Martin), I knew straight away that I wanted to join the club,” he said.

“I can’t wait to meet everyone, the coaches, my teammates and all of the staff.

“I just want to meet everyone and get involved. I have heard about the atmosphere here and the stadium and I can’t wait to play.”

Rangers head coach Russel Martin said: “We’re really pleased to bring Youssef to Rangers. He’s a young striker with huge potential and a lot of the qualities we were looking for in that position.

“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 and help him fulfil that potential here at Rangers.”

Cornelius has made a deadline day move to Ibrox from Marseille on a season-long loan, with Rangers holding an option to buy.

The well-travelled Canada defender, who was part of the Copa America squad last year, will meet his new teammates after he returns from international duty.

“I am excited to be here, and I am excited to finally get going,” he said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, striker Cyriel Dessers has left Rangers to join Panathinaikos. He scored 52 times and had 17 assists in his 116 games for the club. Rangers said he left with everyone’s best wishes.