Rangers have rejected Galatasaray's opening £22 million bid for forward Youssef Chermiti, and the Record Sport panel believes the club should accept a higher offer if the Turkish giants return. Meanwhile, Celtic's Kasper Hogh has been tipped to score 25-plus goals this season after his hat-trick at Rugby Park.
Chermiti's Future at Ibrox
The panel debated the transfer saga, with Keith Jackson suggesting Rangers should 'take the money and run' if they can squeeze an extra two or three million out of Galatasaray. He noted Chermiti 'may have huge potential but he's the poster boy for a team which promises much and delivers precious little.'
Andy Newport expects Ibrox bosses to receive a higher offer, adding, 'If they do they should grab it with both hands. Chermiti has promise but he can also be erratic.' Craig Swan highlighted the uncertainty around Chermiti's injury after a heavy fall against Hibs, saying, 'Much is going to depend on how the Turks view the sight of him departing on a stretcher and the seriousness of the injury.'
Michael Gannon expressed surprise that Rangers haven't already accepted the bid, stating, 'Chermiti has the tools but is too unreliable and the money could be ploughed in elsewhere.'
Hogh's Goal Predictions
Kasper Hogh's hat-trick at Rugby Park has impressed the panel, with predictions ranging from 20 to 30 goals. Keith Jackson said, 'If he stays fit and sharp he should certainly smash his way through the 20 goal barrier.' Andy Newport added, 'It's exactly what the Hoops lacked last season - and that should worry the rest of the top flight.'
Craig Swan believes 'Hogh will have 30 goals on his mind,' while Michael Gannon sees him as 'every bit a 25-goal plus hitman.'
Youth Development Debate
On the question of strict rules to guarantee Scottish youngsters first-team minutes, the panel was divided. Keith Jackson argued for bringing back the reserve league, saying, 'Let the youngsters learn how to play against men at that level.' Craig Swan warned against quota-based rules, suggesting clubs should develop their own policies.
Andy Newport pointed out that 'Premiership teams simply aren't going to look after the greater good when they have their own vested interests,' and advocated for B-teams in lower leagues. Michael Gannon said it could help stop English academies from poaching Scottish teenagers, but added, 'Even Infantino with bags of cash would struggle to get new rules past our clubs.'
Scotland Manager Search
On the Scotland manager situation, the panel agreed that Steven Naismith could be a suitable caretaker for next month's Nations League fixtures. Keith Jackson said, 'Two wins against Slovenia and Switzerland might give him a shot at the job on a permanent basis.' Craig Swan noted, 'No point rushing for the sake of it when a respected man the players know is there ready and able.'
Andy Newport highlighted that the pressure is off due to the likely Euro 2028 slot, so 'there's no need to rush the appointment process.' Michael Gannon suggested the SFA should know who they want, but if there's someone worth waiting for, 'the next man in charge has a heck of a tough task coming down the pipeline.'
