“SHOCKING Rangers Transfer BATTLE! Martin’s Explosive Head-to-Head Showdown Will Leave You Speechless!”
Russell Martin and Kevin Thelwell may have clashed over Rangers’ summer transfer business
Rangers spent around £20million during the summer window, bringing in 12 new faces, not counting Lyall Cameron who joined later following a pre-contract agreement.
Despite the financial outlay, frustration among supporters is already mounting.
Many within the Ibrox fanbase believe Russell Martin’s time should come to an end after a difficult start to the season, with the Scottish manager struggling to extract consistent performances from his squad.
However, responsibility does not rest solely with Martin. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who oversaw recruitment, and Andrew Cavenagh, who plays a key role in the club’s football operations, must also face questions over a transfer strategy that has largely underwhelmed.
One of the most debated signings has been Youssef Chermiti. According to Paul Slane, the former Celtic midfielder, Martin himself did not want the Portugal Under-21 international at Ibrox.
Speaking on Open Goal on 18 September, Slane revealed that Martin may even have clashed with decision-makers at the club over the £10million deal, which included add-ons.
Slane claimed: “Martin didn’t want [Chermiti]. I’ve heard he had a head-to-head clash on that signing.”
Unsurprisingly, many supporters, despite their criticism of Martin, appear to sympathise with him on this issue.
Thelwell, meanwhile, has staked a great deal of credibility on Chermiti’s arrival. The 21-year-old forward, signed during Thelwell’s time at Everton in 2023 for £11.5million from Sporting CP, failed to record a single goal contribution in two seasons at Goodison Park.
Still, Thelwell opted to reunite with him in Glasgow, seeing him as the man to replace departed strikers Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers.
On paper, Chermiti represents Rangers’ most expensive purchase in a quarter of a century. Yet his record raises red flags.
Last season alone, he missed 24 matches due to fitness problems and was limited to just 42 minutes of Premier League football.
David Moyes’ willingness to let him leave Everton, despite having only Thierno Barry and Beto as alternative strikers, will hardly ease concerns.
Chermiti’s recent display against Hearts on 13 September offered little reassurance, with the forward looking far from full match sharpness.
For many, the substantial fee could have been invested more wisely in a player better equipped to contribute immediately.
As things stand, both Thelwell and Martin find themselves under increasing pressure, while the supporters are left questioning the club’s direction after such a costly gamble.
