Rangers ‘target new 20-goal striker’ as Dessers claim made at Ibrox
Nils Koppen will already be hard at work looking for a new 20-goal-a-season striker to lead the Rangers attack next season, according to Derek Ferguson.
Rangers are still buzzing from the 3-1 away win at Fenerbahce on Thursday (6 March), which keeps the Gers’ campaign alive heading into next week’s return leg.
Cyriel Dessers was on the scoresheet and Vaclav Cerny scored twice on a night to remember for Barry Ferguson and his players.
There is still a sense that European performances are papering over the cracks, however, and the Gers will no doubt be eager to strengthen up top in the summer.
Derek Ferguson calls for added firepower at Rangers
Cerny now has 17 goals for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership and Europa League combined, which is a very good return.
However, the Czechia international is only on loan from Wolfsburg and it will take a bid in the region of £7million to sign Cerny permanently.
Dessers, meanwhile, has 14 goals in the two big competitions, which is rather underwhelming on the face of it for a striker who regularly leads the line.
And pundit Ferguson, speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, believes Koppen will already be working on bringing in someone new.
“Goals have been a big issue for Rangers this season,” he said. “There’s still a debate on Dessers – fans either love him or hate him.
“Fans want someone who can come in and be consistent, scoring 20 goals a season, but they’re not easy to come by.
| Player | League goals 2024-25 |
| Cyriel Dessers | 11 |
| Vaclav Cerny | 11 |
| Hamza Igamane | 9 |
| Danilo | 5 |
“Koppen will no doubt be scouring Europe now looking for that type of player. You need to pay the big bucks for those, but if the 49ers come in then money talks.
“Look at Saudi Arabia, the number of players that have gone there. They’ve not gone there for the league; it’s for the money, the finances.
“Everyone has their own agenda, but Rangers clearly need one or two strikers that can cut it and get close to 20 goals a season. That’s what’s needed to challenge Celtic.”
Dessers continues to divide opinion at Rangers
Dessers showed against Fenerbahce exactly what he is also about as he registered a goal and an assist to bolster his tallies for both this season.
However, the Nigeria international still misses far too many chances and it has long been felt he is not the right man to lead the Gers’ attack.
That is not to say Dessers cannot still play a part for Rangers, but if a prolific striker can be brought in to help take the load off his shoulders, that would go a long way to closing the gap on Celtic next season.