Unhappy Dessers to swap Ibrox for Champions League link-up with Super Eagles captain?

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Nigerian forward, Cyriel Dessers, has reportedly submitted a transfer request after just one season at Ibrox Stadium.

The 29-year-old Belgian-born striker joined Rangers in a £4.5 million deal from relegated Italian Serie A side Cremonese last year.

Dessers' debut campaign in Scotland was not without its challenges, as he endured a slow start before finding his scoring touch later in the campaign.

Heartbroken Cyriel Dessers takes solace in Erik ten Hag's words after SPL title failure
Cyriel Dessers- Photo by Icon Sport

Despite missing the Scottish Cup final due to an ankle injury, The Nigeria international ultimately had a respectable season, contributing 22 goals and 9 assists across all competitions. However, Rangers narrowly missed out on both the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup.

Rangers look for replacements for Cyriel Dessers

Regardless of Dessers' future, Rangers are already undergoing a squad overhaul, particularly in their forward line.

The club have already said goodbye to strikers Fabio Silva, Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe, and Jon McLaughlin. Reports in the media have also linked the Glasgow outfit with several potential replacements for Dessers this summer, including Moroccan forward Hamza Igamane and Albion Rahmani.

The striker previously admitted he suffered ‘unbelievable abuse' from Rangers supporters, and was unfairly scapegoated at times last season.

PAOK emerge as suitor, offer Champions League football

According to Greek media outlet Nova Sports, Dessers could be on the move again, with reigning Greek Super League champions PAOK Thessaloniki expressing interest in the striker.

While former Feyenoord marksman still has three years remaining on his contract with Rangers, reports suggest he is open to a new adventure abroad and has initiated discussions with the club regarding a potential transfer.

PAOK, who narrowly edged out rivals AEK Athens to secure their first league title in five years, will be competing in the upcoming Champions League qualifiers.

The club's manager, Romanian Razvan Lucescu, is reportedly keen on securing Dessers' services before the new season officially begins, aiming to integrate the striker into the team's pre-season preparations.

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Toyosi Afolayan

Sports Writer

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports.