The Super Eagles star has pulled up heroics in the last year, but the big clubs are not looking at him
Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has been linked with a move away from Genk, with Cremonese and Copenhagen possible destinations.
However, with his heroics and brilliance at Feyenoord last season, does the Nigerian striker not deserve a move to a bigger club?
Dessers’ achievements are no mean feat.
Dessers joined Belgian side Genk from mid-table Eredivisie team Heracles in a deal worth €4 million in 2020.
His procurement was quite a steal for the Limburgers at the time, because the Nigerian star had just completed an amazing season in the Eredivisie.
Dessers registered 18 goals and six assists for Heracles in 29 appearances. The Super Eagles star was only second to Feyenoord’s Steven Berghuis in the Dutch league.
However, following his move to the Jupiler League, Dessers struggled to get playing time, as he was largely overshadowed by compatriot Paul Onuachu. He played 28 matches that season, but he was just a substitute in 23 of those games.
Last season, the Belgium-born attacker opted for a loan deal to Feyenoord. And he shone again.
Dessers was the bright spark for the Castle Lords, leading them to the final of the maiden edition of the Europa Conference League after a ten-goal haul in 13 games.
In Feyenoord colors, Dessers pipped the likes of Tammy Abraham, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Harry Kane to the ECL Golden boot.
The Nigerian striker scored 20 goals in 43 appearances, but the Castle Lords refused to retain him because of financial restraints.
With all his achievements in Europe, it is clear that he is a potent goal poacher.
Besides, if his records were ever in doubt, Dessers has still proven himself in the new Jupiler League season, hitting three goals in two games.
Dessers should be amongst the crème de la crème, not Cremonese or Copenhagen.
Transfer links to Cremonese and Copenhagen have grown stronger in recent days, and it is surprising for a player with Dessers’ quality.
Dessers is the typical number nine, ‘fox in the box’ type of striker. And with his talent, he could do well in the Bundesliga or Serie A.
However, if Dessers is leaving to any of these leagues, he deserves a transfer to one of the more established sides, not a newly-promoted and shaky Cremonese.
The Grigiorossi are not one of the biggest names in Italian football, and their Serie A status is still shaky. The last time they played in the Italian top-flight was in 1997.
They could still get relegated next season if they fail to perform. As such a move there is too risky.
Also, more surprising is the Copenhagen link. FC Copenhagen is home to two Nigerian players- Akinkunmi Amoo, and Paul Mukairu. The duo are yet to kick a ball for the Super Eagles.
Moreover, the Danish league is one of the lower leagues in Europe. Ranked 18th according to the UEFA coefficient, the Superligaen is five places below the Jupiler League.
Even if Champions League football was to be the motivation, Copenhagen have not even featured in Europe’s elite football competition since 2016.
In the Feyenoord team that Dessers excelled in last season, some players that were on par with him or even less have sealed moves to bigger teams.
Luis Sinisterra sealed a €25 million move to Leeds, while Tyrell Malacia joined Manchester United. These players alongside Dessers made that Feyenoord team tick, and it is a surprise that Cremonese and Copenhagen are the major names that have sought his services.
Genk value Dessers at around €5 million, and could be a great buy for any team. There are some decent teams in Europe who are in search of strikers.
Sassuolo and Fiorentina would need bodies in the attack. In Germany, Borussia Monchengladbach and Bochum would be decent.
Nonetheless, If Dessers really wants to leave Cegeka Arena, he has to do so before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
