GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 21: Cyriel Dessers of Rangers applauds the fans after the Scottish Cup Semi Final match between Rangers and Hearts at Hampden Park on April 21, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Cyriel Dessers’ Ibrox Future Takes Unexpected Turn Amid AEK Uncertainty
The future of Cyriel Dessers at Rangers has taken an unexpected twist, following a wave of conflicting reports about a proposed move to AEK Athens. While earlier claims suggested the Nigerian striker was on the verge of sealing a switch to the Greek side, fresh developments have cast serious doubt over those reports.
As it stands, there is no formal agreement between Rangers and AEK Athens, and sources close to Dessers confirm that the player himself has not committed to any deal. This surprise twist opens up the real possibility that the former Cremonese forward may still be part of Rangers’ plans for the upcoming season.
Dessers’ situation has been surrounded by uncertainty ever since the Scottish Premiership season concluded, with initial headlines pointing toward his imminent exit. What followed was a rapid build-up of speculation suggesting his departure was all but confirmed. However, the narrative is now shifting once again. Some fans who initially voiced concern over losing the striker are now questioning whether he should even stay, especially after the deal’s collapse became so public.
Dessers had been widely expected to leave as part of the summer reshuffle under the new management team. Yet with no agreement reached, Rangers now face a strategic dilemma: do they reintegrate him into the first team or risk retaining a high-earning player without a clear role?
Despite ending last season with a decent goal return, Dessers wasn’t universally embraced by the Rangers fanbase. Whether this stalled transfer is a negotiating tactic to attract a stronger offer or a genuine breakdown in talks remains unclear. What is certain is that Dessers’ potential exit has hit a major roadblock.
As things stand, there’s a growing chance the striker will report back for pre-season and feature in Rangers’ preparations for the Champions League qualifiers. If he does stay and starts the new season strongly, the entire narrative around his time at Ibrox could shift dramatically.
