(Credit: Imago)

Cyriel Dessers 'may be set for Rangers stay' after £4.5m transfer twist

Pranav is a sports journalist who graduated from St. Mary’s University, London, in Sports Journalism (MA). He has over nine years of experience working inside newsrooms, including but not limited to News Associates, The Non League Paper, HT Media Group, VAVEL, Sportskeeda, Chichester Observer and Eastbourne Herald. He specialises in news related to takeovers, club finances and injuries.

Published on:

26 Jun 2025, 1:10 pm

Cyriel Dessers has been linked with an exit from Rangers this summer, with AEK Athens understood to be keen.

The Nigeria international has been a regular for the Ibrox outfit, making over 100 appearances since joining in 2023.

He has bagged 51 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions, but has not been a fan favourite.

Russell Martin will want an upgrade on Dessers if he leaves.

AEK Athens could walk away from Cyriel Dessers deal

Greek side AEK Athens tabled a £4.5million bid for Dessers, but it was turned down by the Glasgow outfit.

The two sides are understood to be some way away from agreeing on a fee for the 30-year-old.

Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Rangers	109	51	16
FC Utrecht	56	19	7
KRC Genk	43	11	6
Feyenoord	41	20	4
NAC Breda	40	29	13
KSC Lokeren	40	7	2
Heracles Almelo	29	18	6
Cremonese	29	7	2
OH Leuven	2	0	0

Dessers' career stats.

Sources in the Greek capital claim that AEK could walk away from the deal if a price cannot be agreed by early next week. (Daily Record, 26 June)

Dessers cost Gers around £4.5million, which is what they're offering for him, but the Ibrox outfit want to make a profit from his sale.

Dessers has an impressive goal-scoring record. (Credit: Imago)

Rangers have every right to make a profit from Dessers' sale

Rangers are justified in seeking a profit from Dessers’ potential transfer to AEK Athens, given his impressive record of 51 goals and 16 assists in 109 appearances, including a goal-every-other-game ratio.

Acquired for £4.5million from Cremonese in 2023, Dessers’ value has risen due to his consistent scoring, justifying Gers’ £5million-£6million valuation.

Playing hardball with AEK, who offered £4.5million, is essential to maximise returns, especially as the club’s new owners aim to fund a squad rebuild under Russell Martin.

With Dessers’ contract running until 2027 and interest from other clubs, the Ibrox outfit hold a strong negotiating position.

Holding firm ensures AEK meet the valuation, securing funds for replacements like Dor Turgeman.

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Cyriel Dessers