Cyriel Dessers, the Nigerian international striker currently playing for Rangers, has emerged as a primary transfer target for Greek Super League powerhouse AEK Athens. The thirteen-time Greek champions are eager to reclaim their domestic title after recent defeats to PAOK and Olympiacos, and they see Dessers as the key piece to revitalize their attack and mount a serious title challenge in the upcoming season. AEK Athens, under the ownership of shipping magnate Marios Iliopoulos, is reportedly prepared to make a substantial financial investment to secure Dessers’ services, signaling their intent to bolster their squad with a marquee signing.
Dessers’ potential move from Rangers to AEK Athens is gaining momentum, with reports indicating that negotiations between the two clubs are underway. The Scottish Daily Record suggests that AEK Athens is willing to “push the boat out” to acquire the 30-year-old striker, recognizing his proven goalscoring ability and his suitability to lead their attacking line. While Dessers has enjoyed a prolific two seasons at Rangers, netting 51 goals, including nearly 30 in the most recent campaign, his performance has elicited mixed reactions among the club’s supporters. Despite the divided opinion, Rangers’ new sporting director, Kevin Thelwell, is reportedly open to the possibility of selling Dessers, particularly if AEK Athens meets their valuation, believed to be around £5 million.
AEK Athens’ pursuit of Dessers underscores their ambition to regain dominance in the Greek Super League. Their willingness to spend significantly on the Nigerian striker signals a strategic move to strengthen their squad and challenge the recent successes of their rivals, PAOK and Olympiacos. Dessers’ goal-scoring prowess makes him an attractive prospect for AEK Athens, who are seeking a reliable and proven striker to spearhead their title charge. The club’s financial commitment to securing Dessers also indicates their seriousness about contending for the league title and their belief in his ability to deliver the goals needed to achieve their objective.
The potential transfer would also represent a fresh start for Dessers, whose time at Rangers, while statistically impressive, has not fully won over the club’s fanbase. A move to AEK Athens could provide him with the opportunity to establish himself as the undisputed star striker and lead the team to glory in a new league. The Greek capital offers a different footballing environment and the chance for Dessers to showcase his talents to a new set of supporters. The reported interest from AEK Athens also validates Dessers’ value in the transfer market, despite the mixed reception he received at Rangers.
Previous transfer windows have seen interest in Dessers from various clubs, yet none were able to meet Rangers’ asking price. His agent, Stijn Francis, revealed that up to ten clubs inquired about Dessers during the January transfer window, but no concrete offers materialized. This suggests that while Dessers’ talent and goalscoring record are recognized, his valuation has been a potential sticking point for potential suitors. AEK Athens’ willingness to spend significantly on acquiring him, however, sets them apart from previous interested parties and increases the likelihood of a successful transfer.
The potential move to AEK Athens presents a compelling opportunity for both the club and Cyriel Dessers. For AEK Athens, Dessers represents a key signing in their quest to reclaim the Greek Super League title, adding firepower and experience to their attack. For Dessers, it offers a chance to reignite his career in a new environment, free from the divided opinions of Rangers fans, and potentially become the focal point of a title-challenging team. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether negotiations between the two clubs will conclude successfully and if Dessers will embark on a new chapter in his footballing journey in the Greek capital. The potential transfer has all the ingredients of a mutually beneficial agreement, providing both parties with a platform for success in the upcoming season.
