Dessers and two exit-linked Rangers teammates to play for future v Panathinaikos
Rangers take on Panathinaikos on Wednesday night in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.
Russell Martin’s side put in an impressive performance at Ibrox in the first leg and won it by a 2-0 scoreline.
Now, they have to hold on to that cushion and avoid losing by more than one goal to make it to the next round.
Ahead of the game, Ibrox News looks at three Gers players who could be playing for their future in Athens.
Cyriel Dessers
Cyriel Dessers continues to be linked with an exit away from Ibrox, but is currently still at the club.
He came off the bench in the first leg and could even be handed a start by Martin later on Wednesday night.
The Nigeria international is reportedly keen on joining AEK Athens, but Gers are said to have rejected bids made for him this summer.
However, if he does not perform in Greece and continues to be angling for an exit, he may well be on his way out of Rangers in the coming weeks.
Interest is expected to rise for Dessers and with over a month left in the transfer window, there is a chance he’s not at the club come September.
Nedim Bajrami
Nedim Bajrami moved to Rangers last summer, and it’s fair to say that his first season at Ibrox was underwhelming.
The Albania international made 28 league appearances in 2024/25, but only managed to score two goals and provide a solitary assist.
He signed a four-year deal in August 2024, so he’s still got a while left on his contract, which could be used by Gers to secure a decent transfer fee for him.
Martin is not expected to start the 26-year-old against Panathinaikos, but he could be brought on in the second half, and another underwhelming display could see the decision being made on his future at the club.
Connor Barron
The Light Blues roped in Lyall Cameron and Joe Rothwell to bolster their midfield this summer.
Their arrivals mean that Connor Barron has dropped further in the pecking order, with Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande expected to be regular starters.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Aberdeen FC | 76 | 2 | 5 |
| Rangers | 46 | – | 2 |
| Brechin City | 14 | 1 | 1 |
| Kelty Hearts | 14 | 1 | 2 |
Still only 22, Barron most certainly has his best days ahead of him, but if he wants to improve, he will need regular playing time.
Gers may look to loan him out and if he does impress in the second leg against Panathinaikos, there could be clubs willing to take a punt on him.
While a permanent exit is unlikely after one season in Glasgow, if the right offer arrives, he could be sold.
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