Former Scotland midfielder Derek Ferguson has urged Rangers to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 season, warning against over reliance on Cyriel Dessers. Despite the Nigerian international finishing as the top scorer in the William Hill Premiership with 18 goals, Ferguson believes the squad needs more firepower to remain competitive.
Speaking to Ibrox News, Ferguson acknowledged Dessers’ impressive run especially his goals in all five post split fixtures but stressed the importance of adding depth. “Dessers had great stats this season, but I’ve seen him regularly,” he said. “We need three or four strikers. The more quality, the better.”
While his brother Barry Ferguson has publicly backed Dessers, Derek emphasised that depending on one striker is risky and that Rangers should be exploring options across Europe to bolster their forward line.
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Editorial
Cyriel Dessers deserves credit. Finishing top scorer in the Scottish Premiership while leading the line for Rangers is no small feat. His goals down the stretch were crucial, his consistency unmissable. But Derek Ferguson’s warning is one Rangers would do well to heed.
Football is a squad game, and over-reliance on one man—no matter how prolific—is a tactical gamble. Injuries, form dips, fixture congestion all can derail a team’s momentum if alternative options aren’t ready to step in. Dessers may have carried the burden well this season, but sustained success demands competition and support.
Recruitment must be about more than just cover. It should be strategic, building a system that allows for rotation, rest, and even tactical shifts depending on the opponent. Ferguson’s call for “three or four” strikers isn’t about replacing Dessers it’s about building a platform where his talent is enhanced, not overextended.
With European ambitions and domestic pressure mounting, Rangers must build wisely and build depth.
Did You Know?
- Cyriel Dessers began his career in the Netherlands and rose to prominence with Heracles Almelo before moving to Genk and later Feyenoord.
- The Scottish Premiership introduced a post-split format in 2000–01, where the top six and bottom six teams play separate final rounds.
- Rangers have not had two players score over 15 league goals in a season since the 2010/11 campaign.
- Dessers represented Nigeria for the first time in 2020 and scored on his debut against Tunisia.
- The Ibrox Stadium, home of Rangers FC, has a capacity of over 50,000 and is one of the oldest football grounds in the UK.
