Youssef Chermiti’s Rangers transfer resolve tested by Lyon ‘contact’ as mega money package considered.

Rangers are reportedly facing growing interest in striker Youssef Chermiti, with French club Lyon exploring the possibility of making a significant offer despite the Scottish side’s determination to keep hold of the forward this summer.

The Portuguese attacker has become one of the most talked-about players in the transfer market following an encouraging finish to his first season at Ibrox. Although his campaign began in difficult fashion after arriving in Glasgow in a high-profile £8 million move from Everton, Chermiti eventually found his rhythm and rewarded the faith shown in him by the Rangers coaching staff.

Rangers’ Youssef Chermiti with the match ball

The 22-year-old initially struggled to justify his hefty transfer fee, with questions raised over whether he could adapt quickly enough to Scottish football. His early performances were inconsistent, and goals proved difficult to come by during the opening months of the season. However, as the campaign progressed, Chermiti’s confidence and form steadily improved, allowing him to establish himself as a key attacking figure for Rangers.

His breakthrough period came during the second half of the season, when he delivered several standout performances. One of his most memorable displays came in a commanding victory over Hearts, where he scored a superb hat-trick to underline his growing importance to the team. He followed that up with another impressive performance against Old Firm rivals Celtic, finding the net twice in a display that further enhanced his reputation among Rangers supporters.

By the end of the campaign, Chermiti had accumulated 15 goals across all competitions, an impressive return considering the difficulties he experienced during the opening months of his debut season. His dramatic improvement convinced many observers that Rangers’ substantial investment in the striker was beginning to pay off.

His excellent finish to the campaign also appeared to justify Rangers’ reported decision to reject an approach from Turkish giants Fenerbahce during the January transfer window. Reports suggested the Istanbul club had submitted an offer worth around £13 million, but Rangers opted against cashing in, believing the striker’s long-term value to the club outweighed the financial gain available at the time.

Since then, Chermiti’s performances have continued to attract attention from clubs across Europe. Several teams have been credited with an interest in the Portugal Under-21 international, including Turkish champions Galatasaray, Dutch heavyweights PSV Eindhoven, Portuguese giants Porto and now French side Lyon.

According to reports from Foot Mercato, Lyon are now weighing up a formal move for the striker as they search for reinforcements ahead of the new Ligue 1 campaign. The French club are believed to be eager to strengthen their attacking options after Endrick returned to Real Madrid following the conclusion of his loan spell. His departure has left Lyon searching for a new forward capable of leading their attack.

The report claims Lyon are considering an offer worth €14 million, which equates to approximately £11.9 million, with an additional €4 million, or around £3.4 million, included through performance-related bonuses. Such a proposal would take the overall value of the package to more than £15 million if all bonus clauses are achieved.

Lyon are reportedly hopeful that such a financial package could persuade Rangers to reconsider their current stance regarding Chermiti’s future. The French club are said to view the Portuguese striker as a player with significant potential who could strengthen their attacking department for both domestic and European competitions.

As part of their efforts to explore a possible transfer, Lyon’s head of recruitment, Benjamin Charrier, has reportedly already made contact with Rangers to discuss the situation surrounding the player. The French side are believed to be attempting to make tangible progress in negotiations as they assess whether a deal can be completed before the transfer window closes.

Despite Lyon’s interest, Rangers remain reluctant to sanction the departure of one of their most promising young forwards. The Scottish club reportedly have no intention of selling Chermiti unless an improved proposal is submitted that better reflects both his potential and his growing importance within the squad.

Sources indicate that Lyon have effectively been informed their currently proposed package would not be sufficient to convince Rangers to negotiate seriously. If the Ligue 1 side genuinely wish to sign the striker, they are expected to return with a significantly enhanced offer capable of changing the Glasgow club’s position.

For Rangers, Chermiti is viewed as a player whose value extends beyond his current goal tally. His age, physical attributes and continued development suggest he could become one of the club’s most valuable assets over the coming seasons. Selling him after only one year would therefore require an exceptional financial offer.

With interest continuing to build from clubs across Europe, Chermiti’s future is likely to remain one of Rangers’ biggest transfer stories throughout the remainder of the summer window. While Lyon appear determined to test the Scottish club’s resolve, Rangers currently remain firm in their desire to keep the striker at Ibrox unless a substantially improved bid is presented.