Following a tough start to life under Russell Martin, former Rangers player Derek Ferguson has taken aim at one particular deal that Kevin Thelwell pushed through in the summer.
Update on Russell Martin's Rangers future
Reports last week suggested that the Hibernian game was a crucial point in the early stages of Martin’s tenure. Defeat would have likely ended the manager’s time at the club just months on from arriving. At long last, however, the Gers got back to winning ways and advanced in the Scottish League Cup to hand Martin a glimmer of hope.
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The victory, which must only be a start, hands Rangers something to build on and may well be the beginning of the pressure being lifted on Martin. What is also key to note about that victory is the return of Nicolas Raskin. The midfielder has found himself dropped for reasons away from the pitch at times this season, but finally returned last time out to hand the Gers a decisive boost.
That win has not silenced all the noise, however, with Ferguson still taking aim at Thelwell and one decision that the sporting director reportedly pushed through during the summer transfer window.
Ferguson "baffled" by Chermiti deal
Speaking to Ibrox News, Ferguson revealed that he’s been “baffled” by Rangers’ decision to sign Chermiti in a deal worth as much as £10m at the end of the summer transfer window.
The former midfield player said: “I just can’t see anything to justify that fee. It’s baffling why they’ve paid so much. What it does is it brings pressure for the young lad from the off.
“With a price tag like that, you expect him to play every week and to bang in goals. If he doesn’t, then the pressure builds. It’s a strange one, and I, of course, wish him well, but I’m scratching my head over this one. I don’t know why this deal was done, to be honest with you.”
The former Everton forward is yet to prove his worth in a Rangers shirt. Although still early days, the 21-year-old has made just two appearances for the Scottish giants which is far from ideal for a player of his price.
At £10m, the Gers needed a player capable of hitting the ground running, especially in the middle of their current run. Alas, Chermiti hasn’t even broken into Martin’s Scottish Premiership squad at times this season.
