Cyriel Dessers, the Nigerian international striker currently playing for Rangers, appears to be on the cusp of a move to Greek Super League giants AEK Athens. Reports suggest that Dessers has agreed to personal terms with the Greek club, a significant step towards finalizing the transfer. This agreement reportedly entails a lucrative contract worth approximately €1.8 million annually, equating to roughly £30,000 per week, a substantial increase from his current earnings. AEK Athens, financially bolstered by shipping magnate Marios Iliopoulos, identified Dessers as their primary attacking target this summer and are seemingly willing to invest significantly to secure his services. Dessers himself is reportedly enthusiastic about the potential move and is eager to complete the transfer to Greece.
The remaining hurdle in the transfer saga appears to be the negotiation of a transfer fee between Rangers and AEK Athens. Rangers, who acquired Dessers from Cremonese in 2023 for a reported £4.5 million, are understood to be seeking a fee in the region of £5 million. Kevin Thelwell, Rangers’ new sporting director, believes Dessers’ goalscoring record justifies their valuation of the player. This stance underscores the club’s confidence in Dessers’ potential, despite his relatively short tenure at Ibrox. The anticipated revenue from Dessers’ sale would be a welcome injection of funds for Rangers, providing a significant boost to the £20 million budget earmarked for new manager Russell Martin as he embarks on reshaping the squad for the upcoming season.
Dessers’ potential transfer has garnered support from an unexpected corner – Paraskevas Polychronopoulos, a former Rangers coach. Polychronopoulos voiced his approval of the proposed move, describing it as an advantageous situation for both Dessers and AEK Athens. He emphasized Dessers’ positive character traits, highlighting his professionalism, kindness, and perpetually cheerful demeanor as valuable assets for any team. This endorsement from a former coach adds further weight to the narrative that Dessers is a valuable asset both on and off the field.
This transfer marks a pivotal moment in Dessers’ career, representing a potential return to form and a chance to establish himself as a key player in a prominent European league. Dessers’ career has been characterized by a series of moves, often struggling to solidify a starting position at various clubs. A successful transition to AEK Athens could provide the stability and platform he needs to showcase his talent and achieve his full potential. For AEK Athens, the acquisition of Dessers signals their ambition to strengthen their attacking prowess and compete at the highest levels of Greek football. They are clearly investing heavily in building a competitive squad, with Dessers potentially becoming a centerpiece of their attacking strategy.
The financial aspects of the deal also highlight the changing dynamics of the football transfer market. The reported £30,000 per week salary offered to Dessers demonstrates the financial clout of AEK Athens and their commitment to securing top talent. The relatively modest transfer fee, in comparison to some of the exorbitant sums involved in modern football transfers, suggests a pragmatic approach by both clubs. Rangers are keen to recoup their initial investment while also facilitating a move that appears to be in the best interests of the player. AEK Athens, meanwhile, are securing a proven goalscorer at a seemingly reasonable price, maximizing their return on investment.
Should the transfer be finalized, it would represent a win-win scenario for all parties involved. Dessers gets a fresh start at a club keen to utilize his abilities, Rangers receive a reasonable fee and can reinvest the funds in their squad rebuild, and AEK Athens gain a talented striker who could significantly enhance their attacking options. The move underscores the fluidity and dynamism of the contemporary football landscape, where players and clubs are constantly seeking opportunities for growth and success.
