Celtic rivals in Europe’s summer transfer sweep have set sights on Cyriel Dessers Rangers are reportedly keen to sell the Super Eagles striker, with offers reportedly reaching £5 million.
The 30 year old Nigerian forward has enjoyed a rich scoring run at Ibrox, tallying 51 goals across 109 matches since his 2023 arrival. Despite his form, head coach Russell Martin and new American ownership are prioritising funds to reinforce the defence, prompting them to value Dessers highly.
Interest comes from Greek giants AEK Athens who’ve negotiated personal terms for Dessers and are weighing a fee of around £5 million though Rangers aim to hold out for at least that amount. Other suitors include Feyenoord, Cagliari, Empoli and clubs in Ligue 1.
Former midfielder Kevin Thomson commented that selling Dessers would free vital resources for urgent defensive reinforcements, given recent injuries at the back.
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Dessers, contracted until June 2027, became top scorer in the Scottish Premiership last season but remains a figure of divergent opinions among supporters. As the window nears closing, Rangers are braced for bids and Dessers might soon exit.
Editorial
We’ve seen time and again that football is as much about finance as about form. Selling Dessers now aligns with strategic prudence Rangers need to shore up a defence weakened by injuries, and a £5 million-plus offer could provide breathing room.
We understand the dilemma. Dessers has proven his worth, notching goals consistently, but the evolution under Russell Martin demands balance. Strengthening at the back may prove more impactful in Europe and domestically. We believe that with his contract running to 2027, Dessers still holds transfer value. Allowing him to leave could not only free funds but also permit a fresh tactical reshuffle. Rangers are rebuilding and sometimes parting ways with a proven striker is a necessary sacrifice.
We share optimism that this move will echo across the club funds allocated, defence reinforced, squad renewed. Selling Dessers isn’t a step backward but a strategic pivot towards a stronger, more resilient Rangers side a move we fully support.
Did You Know?
- Dessers featured in Feyenoord’s inaugural UEFA Conference League campaign, finishing as top scorer in 2022.
- In the 2019–20 Eredivisie season, he was top scorer with Heracles Almelo.
- Born in Belgium to Nigerian and Belgian parents, he switched allegiance to Nigeria in December 2019.
- His dramatic 93rd-minute winner against Dundee marked his 100th appearance for Rangers.
- AEK Athens’ £5 million bid would rank among their top three most expensive signings in recent years.
