Cyriel Dessers, the Nigerian international striker currently plying his trade for Scottish Premiership giants Rangers, has become the subject of intense transfer speculation, with multiple bids being lodged for his services. Among these offers, a £4.5 million bid from Major League Soccer outfit Atlanta United has been prominently reported, but swiftly rejected by the Ibrox club. Rangers, having secured Dessers’ signature for a total package of £6 million, inclusive of £1.5 million in add-ons that have already been triggered, remain steadfast in their valuation of the player. The club hierarchy has made it clear that they will not entertain any offers that fall short of their initial investment in the striker.
Dessers’ impressive start to the season has undoubtedly fueled the interest from potential suitors. With four goals in just five appearances, he has quickly established himself as one of the most lethal finishers in the Scottish Premiership, trailing only Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland in the scoring charts. This prolific form has solidified his position as a key player for Rangers, making him a prized asset in the eyes of manager Philippe Clement. Clement has indicated that only offers significantly exceeding the £6 million mark would be considered, with reports suggesting that the club expects bids in the region of £8 million to even begin discussions for the Belgian-born Nigerian.
The situation is further complicated by the current composition of Rangers’ attacking options. While other strikers, such as Hamza Igamane and Danilo, are present within the squad, they are yet to demonstrate the consistency and reliability that Dessers offers. This lack of proven alternatives makes Dessers virtually indispensable to Rangers’ immediate ambitions, both domestically and potentially in European competitions. His departure would leave a significant void in the team’s attacking prowess, a risk that the club seems unwilling to take, particularly given their investment in him.
Dessers’ journey at Rangers has been marked by a degree of initial skepticism. Early performances drew criticism from some sections of the fanbase, with unflattering labels like “donkey” being directed at him. However, his recent form has silenced those doubters and firmly established him as a fan favorite. His consistent goal-scoring contributions have transformed him into an integral part of Clement’s tactical setup. This newfound importance further strengthens Rangers’ resolve to retain his services.
The rejection of Atlanta United’s bid serves as a clear signal of Rangers’ intentions. They are not actively looking to sell their in-form striker, and they certainly won’t entertain offers viewed as undervaluing him. This stance underscores their belief in Dessers’ long-term potential and his crucial role in their current campaign. The club is prepared to hold firm unless a substantially improved offer arrives, reflecting his current market value and the potential disruption his departure would cause.
In essence, Dessers’ future at Rangers appears secure, at least for the immediate future. The club’s firm rejection of relatively substantial bids indicates a strong commitment to the player. While the allure of a lucrative move to a different league might tempt Dessers, Rangers are in a strong negotiating position. They hold the player’s contract and, crucially, they have no pressing need to sell. Unless a club is willing to meet their valuation, which is significantly higher than the bids received so far, Dessers is likely to remain at Ibrox, continuing his goal-scoring exploits in the blue of Rangers. His continued presence would offer stability and firepower to the team’s attack, boosting their chances of success in a competitive Scottish Premiership season.
