Dessers on fire away from Rangers as president speaks out
Cyriel Dessers has been linked with a move away from Rangers this summer.
The Nigerian forward scored 21 goals in 47 appearances this season, but is widely considered by fans to be too wasteful in front of goal.
It remains unclear whether Dessers will be in the plans of new manager Russell Martin.
However, the 30-year-old has been praised for his performances during this post-season international window.
Dessers on fire for Nigeria in post-season fixtures
Dessers registered one goal and one assist during two Unity Cup fixtures in London.
The friendly tournament offered Nigeria’s coaching team the chance to look at some new options, and the striker appears to have grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Speaking after the tournament, Nigeria Football Federation president Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) praised Dessers and other fringe players who made an impact.
He told thenff.com (10 June): “I had some conversations with Coach Eric Chelle and I could see that he was pleased with the opportunities that the tournament in London (Unity Cup) that we won.
“We saw more of Cyriel Dessers. The home-based professionals did not fare badly either.”
Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 in the semi-final of the tournament, with Dessers grabbing the opener. They then triumphed over Jamaica in the final on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
The Super Eagles also secured a respectable draw against Russia in a friendly in Moscow on Friday (6 June).
Dessers will be hoping his performances are enough to secure a starting role in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming African Cup of Nations tournament.
Dessers still has plenty to offer at Ibrox
It might seem that fans are harsh for wanting Rangers club to ditch 21-goal striker Dessers.
However, the Nigerian can be careless in front of goal, and supporters can point to a few occasions where he went missing in the big games.
He has a new manager to impress at Ibrox, but only time will tell if he’ll be given enough time to prove his worth.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 47 | 2790 | 21 | 4 |
His post-season performances for Nigeria will only add to his case that he still has plenty to offer Rangers. At the same time, it could serve to up his value in the transfer market.
Dessers has been linked with a move to AEK Athens, and a huge bid for his services could help Martin to rebuild the team in his image.
Rangers paid Cremonese £4.5 million for the striker back in 2023 and will certainly be looking to make a profit on him.
However, if Martin decides to keep him, there’s plenty of evidence that he can contribute to a successful season.