Cyriel Dessers: 13-time Super League winners set to spend big on Rangers and Nigeria goal king

Greek giants AEK Athens are preparing a significant bid for Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers, as interest in the Nigeria international intensifies ahead of the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.

Dessers, who joined Rangers from Cremonese in 2023 for £4.5million, scored 29 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions this past season.

He ended the Scottish Premiership campaign as the league’s top scorer, despite drawing criticism for his inconsistency in front of goal.

According to the Daily Record, 13-time Greek Super League champions AEK Athens are willing to make the 30-year-old a marquee signing under new owner Marios Iliopoulos. The club is understood to be ready to offer a fee in the region of £5million, which would secure Rangers a modest profit on the forward’s sale.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

READ MORE

• “Not a good player anymore” – Ex-Rangers boss Phillippe Clement on Gerns fans’ criticism of Cyriel Dessers
• First Onuachu and Aribo, now Dessers: Southampton flop appointed as another Super Eagles star’s coach at Rangers
• “Deserves more games” – AFCON 2013 Super Eagles forward lauds Cyriel Dessers following Ghana display

Dessers’ potential departure comes at a time when Rangers are looking to reshape their squad under new boss Russell Martin. With Hamza Igamane emerging as the club’s first-choice striker, Dessers’ exit could free up both transfer funds and wage space as the Gers prepare for a renewed domestic and European push.

While the Nigerian forward has attracted attention from other clubs, including Serie A side Cagliari, his high miss rate and limited versatility have prompted Rangers to consider cashing in while his market value remains healthy.

On the international front, Dessers is also enjoying a resurgence. He was arguably Nigeria’s standout performer at the Unity Cup in London, where he scored against Ghana and assisted against Jamaica. His efforts appear to have impressed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who now reportedly views Dessers as the main backup to star striker Victor Osimhen.

Despite not yet making a competitive appearance for Nigeria, Dessers’ current form and Chelle’s admiration may see him included in the next round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September.