Rangers’ Board Play £6M Hardball over Cyriel Dessers | OneFootball

Rangers are continuing to hold firm over the future of Cyriel Dessers following an unsuccessful bid from AEK Athens. The Greek giants made a move worth around £4.5 million but it has fallen short of Rangers’ valuation of the striker. The Ibrox side are believed to be looking for at least £6 million for the Nigerian international which is roughly what they paid to Cremonese last summer year. The board ideally want a little more than that, and while the bid from Athens did show serious interest it was not enough to tempt the club into selling at a loss.

Dessers’ future has been under scrutiny for months with many fans unsure if the forward fits into the plans of Rangers’ long‑term rebuild. However the club are not going to be pushed around and remain clear they will not accept lowball offers. With AEK failing to meet Rangers’ asking price the message is that only serious proposals will be entertained. Ibrox Noise has already explored the potential replacements for Dessers and highlighted how this move could shape the rest of the window.

Whether Dessers stays at Ibrox this season remains to be seen. The 29‑year‑old forward did not have the easiest first campaign in Scotland but he ended strongly and is clearly a valuable asset. He may still play a role under the new‑look Rangers setup and there is no question some fans would welcome him staying. Much will now depend on whether any club is willing to come back with a more acceptable figure. AEK have tested the waters and if Rangers are to cash in it will be entirely on their own terms.

Of course there is also the question of international form and desire. Dessers has admitted frustration over his lack of minutes for Nigeria and it may influence his next career step. But if Rangers do offload him this summer it will only be for a suitable offer that respects his market value. The club are not short of suitors but will not be selling him off cheaply and the rejection of AEK’s bid proves it.