Russell Martin makes utterly bizarre Cyriel Dessers Rangers claim | OneFootball

Rangers manager Russell Martin has confirmed something that raised more than a few eyebrows this weekend. Speaking after the match at Fir Park, Martin insisted that only Cyriel Dessers has attracted a significant bid this summer. That statement alone has confused many supporters and pundits alike, because it clashes with what is already known about the transfer activity surrounding Ibrox.

The keyphrase appears right here in the first paragraph, framing the subject around Dessers and his supposed value. This claim was meant to be a defence of the striker’s cameo against Motherwell, it has had the opposite effect. Dessers may have put in some effort in that late appearance, but using him as an example only highlights how shaky the ground beneath Martin already feels.

Several Rangers players have drawn interest in this window. Whether from Serie A, Ligue 1 or even the English Championship, there have been strong indicators of bids and scouting across the squad. For Martin to now claim that no one but Dessers has attracted anything substantial simply does not ring true. It has led to speculation that the manager is already struggling to maintain a grip on the narrative surrounding his side.

The tone of Martin’s comments came across as a pointed attempt to reward Dessers’ work ethic and attitude. Perhaps he believed it would strengthen the player’s confidence or serve as a lesson to others. But by stretching the truth, he may have opened himself up to further criticism. Rangers supporters are not naive and know what is happening in the market. They want transparency and honesty more than they want spin.

The idea that only one player at Ibrox has caught the eye of outside clubs this summer is frankly absurd. Dessers may indeed have value and may have turned heads with his energy, but to elevate him above the rest through this claim reeks of desperation. It shows a manager already looking for ways to control the headlines.

Russell Martin has now stepped into dangerous territory by choosing to shape a message around something easily challenged. If he continues down this path, he risks further erosion of trust among the Rangers faithful. He cannot afford to make such careless assertions if he hopes to steady his tenure.

In a summer already marked by intense scrutiny and questions, this kind of rhetoric only fans the flames.