Cyriel Dessers, the Nigerian international striker currently playing for Glasgow Rangers, finds himself at the center of a complex transfer saga involving multiple European clubs. AEK Athens, a prominent Greek Super League team, has identified Dessers as their top target to bolster their attacking prowess. However, negotiations between AEK and Rangers have hit a snag due to disagreements over the transfer fee. AEK’s initial offer of €5.2 million was rejected by Rangers, prompting further discussions and the potential for an improved bid. The situation is further complicated by the emergence of Dutch giants Feyenoord, who have also expressed interest in acquiring Dessers’ services.
AEK Athens’ pursuit of Dessers stems from their desire to fill the void left by the departure of Levi Garcia. They have reportedly offered Dessers a lucrative three-year contract with an annual salary of €1.7 million, a significant increase from his current earnings at Rangers. This attractive offer, coupled with the prospect of regular playing time and Champions League football, has made AEK a desirable destination for the Nigerian striker. However, the stalling of negotiations with Rangers has created an opening for other clubs, including Feyenoord, to enter the picture.
Feyenoord’s interest in Dessers is a renewed one, having previously had the player on loan during the 2021/22 season. During that loan spell, Dessers showcased his goalscoring abilities, finishing as the top scorer in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League. Despite his impressive performance, Feyenoord’s then-manager, Arne Slot, opted against making the move permanent. Now, with a new manager at the helm and a need for attacking reinforcements, Feyenoord are reportedly reconsidering their stance on Dessers. Their failed pursuit of Brazilian striker Romulo Cardoso and the rejection of their bid for Oh Hyeon-gyu have further intensified their interest in bringing Dessers back to Rotterdam.
The potential re-emergence of Feyenoord as a serious contender for Dessers’ signature poses a significant threat to AEK Athens’ hopes of securing the Nigerian striker. A bidding war between the two clubs could drive up the transfer fee, potentially exceeding AEK’s budget and forcing them to withdraw from the pursuit. This would be a significant blow for AEK, who have identified Dessers as their primary target and have invested considerable time and effort in negotiations. The next few days will be crucial in determining Dessers’ future, with both AEK and Feyenoord eager to secure his services for the upcoming season.
The situation surrounding Dessers’ transfer is further complicated by the time constraints faced by AEK Athens. Initially, a 48-hour window was reported as the timeframe within which a deal needed to be finalized. This deadline has now passed without any significant progress in negotiations between AEK and Rangers. The delay has not only provided an opportunity for Feyenoord to enter the race but has also raised concerns about AEK’s ability to secure the transfer. The longer the negotiations drag on, the greater the risk of Dessers opting for another club, particularly if a more attractive offer is presented.
Dessers’ career path, from his early days to his current predicament, reflects the complex and often unpredictable nature of the football transfer market. His loan spell at Feyenoord, while successful in terms of individual performance, did not result in a permanent move. His subsequent transfer to Cremonese and now to Rangers further highlights the transient nature of a footballer’s career. The current situation, with multiple clubs vying for his signature, underscores his value as a proven goalscorer and his desirability in the European football landscape. The outcome of this transfer saga will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Dessers’ career trajectory, as well as the fortunes of the clubs involved. Whether he ends up in Greece, the Netherlands, or remains at Rangers, Dessers’ goalscoring abilities will be a valuable asset to whichever team secures his services.
