Record SPFL Champions, Rangers, have rejected an offer worth around ₦8bn from Super League giants, AEK Athens, for Nigeria’s Cyriel Dessers, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 30-year-old has been involved in a long-drawn-out transfer saga since the Greek side registered their interest towards the end of May.
Since then, Dessers has gotten married to his long-term partner, Rosalie Deruysscher, marrying her in Italy after winning the Unity Cup.
He’s also returned to Rangers for pre-season preparations after their new coach, Russell Martin, admitted he’s looking forward to working with the Nigerian.
“No, I don’t think I can say anything about his [Dessers] future. The updates will come as and when they are actually real.
“So, at the minute, I’m expecting him to return on Monday and I’m looking forward to working with him,” the ex-Southampton boss said in an interview with Sky Sports Scotland.
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After AEK Athens submitted their offer, their head coach, Marko Nicolic, revealed that his side are not prioritising a move for an attacker, hinting that something had gone wrong in their pursuit of the Belgium-born Nigerian striker.
“No, because in attack we are good with Zini, Pierrot, Martial and even Eliasson,” the Serbian said as previously reported by Soccernet.ng.
“We are working on the left-back, but we have time. Full-backs on the market are always a difficult matter. It is not a big issue, we are also looking for a player for another position,” Nikolic concluded.
Now, Ibrox Noise reports that Rangers demanded more than AEK Athens’ initial €4.5m offer for Dessers, and the Greek side wouldn’t increase the Gers’ £6m asking fee.
As things stand, Dessers will remain at Rangers for another season except an improved offer is made by the Greek Champions. Additionally, the former Cremonese striker has offers from the Netherlands.
Dessers’ current teammate, Hamza Igamane, is also under the microscope, as LOSC Lille are heavily interested in the Moroccan after losing Jonathan David to Juventus on a free deal.
Official, confirmed. Jonathan David joins Juventus on free transfer after leaving Lille.
Five year contract for Canadian striker. pic.twitter.com/xWL2EKp4kN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2025
In the meantime, Dessers hasn’t participated in Rangers’ pre-season training due to an injury, but is set to resume soon, although some believe he abstained from training to finalise an undisclosed move.