(Credit: Hasan Karim and Imago)

'Martin's first act as Rangers manager is to get rid of Dessers after what he said'

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

06 Jun 2025, 11:40 am

Russell Martin has been appointed Rangers’ new manager as the Gers can finally begin their transfer business.

There is a lot of work the Gers need to do if they are to be ready for their Champions League qualifiers in July.

Rangers were waiting for a manager before doing any major transfer business, and now that this obstacle is out of the way, deals need to start flying through the door.

However, one of the first things of Martin’s agenda has to be to get rid of Cyriel Dessers this summer.

Russell Martin is Rangers' new manager

Martin’s must rid himself of ‘cocky’ Cyriel Dessers this summer

Dessers has been linked away from Rangers for some time.

The 30-year-old has been at Ibrox for two seasons since his transfer from Italian side Cremonese.

This season, the forward finished as the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership with 18 netted strikes.

As a result, Dessers has been linked with a move to Greek side AEK Athens.

Cyriel Dessers' Rangers career so far
Appearances	109
Goals	51
Assists	16
Honours	Scottish League Cup x1

Dessers has struggled to convert his goals into trophies at Rangers

Now, Martin must simply get rid of the striker as his first act of Rangers manager after his cocky persona has emerged.

Dessers recently admitted the interest in him “was normal” given the goals he has scored.

For a striker who has missed so many golden opportunities this season, this is an unacceptable mindset to have.

The 30-year-old came away with no trophies, and he has failed to find the net in important moment.

This, combined with the fact that Dessers is one of Rangers’ highest-earners, means that the Belgian simply has to go this summer.

Cyriel Dessers finished at the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership (Credit: Imago)

Rangers need a clinical striker for Europe

One of Dessers’ biggest faults is his inability to find the net in Europe.

The striker only netted six times across 25 continental games in the last two seasons, which has proved to be costly for the Glaswegians.

With so much money available to Scottish sides that qualify for the Champions League, Rangers need a forward who will be able to drag the side into the league stages.

If not, the Gers will always be financially behind Celtic, who are now starting to progress further in Europe’s most prestigious competition.

Russell Martin

Cyriel Dessers