AEK Athens rekindle interest in Super Eagles striker

Several Super Eagles stars held it down in Europe last season, and it is no surprise several of them have earned moves to new clubs this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

However, some other Nigerian players could still change clubs before the transfer window closes in September.

One of those is Rangers‘ centre-forward, Cyriel Kolawole Dessers, who's been the club's top goalscorer over the past two seasons, scoring 52 goals and providing 14 assists in 115 games for the Record Scottish Champions.

The 30-year-old was linked with a move to Greek Super League side AEK Athens at the start of the transfer window, even agreeing personal terms with the club, but Rangers declined the offer.

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AEK Athens then signed former Real Madrid and AC Milan forward, Luka Jovic, with many arguing the move signalled an end to the Dessers chase.

AEK Athens set to return for Super Eagles star

It appears Dessers could still join the Greek side this summer. As per TeamTalk, AEK Athens have reignited their pursuit of the former Cremonese striker.

Dessers joined Rangers from Cremonese in 2023 for around £4.5million, and he has been a polarising figure at Ibrox, blowing hot and cold, leaving the club's fanbase divided.

While his goal tally – 29 across all competitions last season – has shown flashes of potency, inconsistencies have led to calls for an upgrade in the striking department.

Rangers are keen on bringing in another striker to Ibrox, which might limit Dessers' game time if he chooses to remain at the club.

The Gers are holding out for a fee north of £5m to part ways with the Belgium-born, and AEK’s persistence in bringing the deal to fruition hasn’t waned, with a deal potentially back on.

According to the report, the Greek club are still in regular contact with Dessers’ representatives, believing a deal can be struck soon.

The striker himself is said to be open to the move, enticed by the prospect of playing in the UEFA Champions League football in the latter stages of his career, alongside a fresh start in the Greek Super League, turning down the noise from Ibrox over the past two months.

It won't be a smooth sail for Athens, though, as Dessers is garnering interest from several Serie A sides, with teams like Hellas Verona and Cagliari sending scouts to attend Rangers' games.

Considering the nature of the Italian league, Dessers' physical presence and aerial ability are something that could be of huge promise.

For Rangers, selling Dessers could pave the way for Russell Martin’s preferred target. The financial incentive from potentially qualifying for the UEFA Champions League could also be a boost for Rangers in the transfer market.

Dessers’ decision might ultimately tip the scales, but several clubs could do with the services of the Nigerian striker as the transfer window winds up.