AEK Athens have started planning for the summer after losing their top scorer from last season. After their runners-up finish in Greece, not to mention a place in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round, they are looking for a great goalscorer for the European games. AEK is, in fact, considering Cyriel Dessers. So, stick around to learn the latest Cyriel Dessers Rangers transfer news.
AEK’s Forward Options
After a 6-0 friendly victory against De Westhoek, manager Marko Nikolic played down the need for a new striker, suggesting he had enough depth in attack.
“In attack we are good with Zini, Pierrot, Martial and even Eliasson,” he said, adding that each provides something different — youth, physicality, pace, experience. He’s in more urgent need of reinforcement at left-back than another forward.
Interest in Dessers
Numerous Greek and international sources report that Cyriel Dessers is linked with a move to Athens. The 30-year-old Nigerian finished as the Scottish Premiership’s top scorer with 18 league goals in 2024/25, although he still scored goals in domestic cups and in European matches. His experience in big games contributes to his appeal in AEK’s bid to reach the Conference League.
Fee Negotiations
Rangers rate Dessers at closer to €5.5 million—more than the estimated €4.5 million they spent back in 2023—and AEK’s first offers are less than the asking price. Discussions are continuing to close the gap in valuation before the transfer window shuts down.
Rangers’ Replacement Plan
Rangers have insisted that they would not allow Dessers to leave until they have brought in a suitable replacement. They are not willing to name anyone for fear of narrowing their options but are looking at a number of alternatives across Europe to ensure they have a strike force in place before sanctioning any sale.
Contract Terms
Dessers has reportedly agreed personal terms on a four-year contract, which include a salary of around €1.8 million per season (around €30,000 per week). The deal also includes some performance bonuses for scoring goals and reaching Europe, but we have yet to agree on agent fees. Those agreements are in place; the club fee – and medicals – are the last steps.
Dessers’ Rangers Record
In 109 appearances, Dessers scored 51 goals and assisted 16 during his time at Ibrox. He scored the winner for Rangers in an Old Firm derby victory over Celtic and a Europa League brace, showcasing his physicality and aerial ability in Scottish football.
Experience Abroad
Prior to his time at Rangers, Dessers had a successful loan at Feyenoord in which he scored often in the Eredivisie and won the KNVB Cup. His versatility in the Frisian lands attracted interest from about 10 clubs in the window month of January 2025, which indicates how much he was in demand.
Final Thoughts on Cyriel Dessers Rangers Transfer News
AEK are in a good position to close the valuation gap and sign Dessers. That would be a sign of the club’s Conference League ambitions and enable both player and club to concentrate on further options before preseason truly ramps up. Regular starts in Greece could also reinvigorate Dessers’ career and excitement among AEK fans.
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Sources:
- www.dailypost.ng/2025/06/26/transfer-rangers-aek-athens-haggle-over-dessers-fee/
- www.soccernet.ng/2025/06/cyriel-dessers-rangers-aekathens.html
- www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/gb-sct-premier-league/2025/06/rangers-transfer-news-cyriel-dessers-aek-athens
- www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/news/029a-1de9b0929340-c79cb0578db2-1000–uefa-conference-league-second-qualifying-round-draw/
- www.neoskosmos.com/en/2025/06/19/sport/football/panathinaikos-awaits-epic-champions-league-challenge-against-rangers/
