Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers is on the verge of a summer move from Rangers after agreeing personal terms with Greek Super League side AEK Athens.
According to the Daily Record, Dessers has reached a verbal agreement with the former Greek champions, shaking hands on a lucrative deal estimated at €1.8 million annually—equivalent to approximately £30,000 per week.
“Maverick hitman Cyriel Dessers has shaken hands on a £30,000-a-week deal with AEK Athens,” the Scottish outlet reported. “He’s verbally agreed a bumper deal that will see him earn around €1.8m a year with the former Super League champions.”
Backed by shipping magnate Marios Iliopoulos, AEK Athens have identified the 30-year-old Nigerian as their primary attacking target this summer and are prepared to invest significantly to complete the deal.
The report adds that Dessers is enthusiastic about the move and is “keen” to see it through. The only obstacle remaining is for AEK and Rangers to reach an agreement on the transfer fee.
Rangers, who acquired Dessers from Serie A side Cremonese in 2023 for £4.5 million, are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £5 million. The club’s new sporting director, Kevin Thelwell, believes the forward’s goal tally justifies the asking price.
Dessers has drawn interest from several clubs across recent transfer windows. In January, his agent Stijn Francis revealed that up to ten clubs had made inquiries, though no move materialised. Dessers remained with Rangers and went on to finish the season just one goal short of 30 in all competitions.
Should the deal go through, a significant portion of the transfer fee will be added to Rangers’ £20 million summer budget for new manager Russell Martin, who is preparing to overhaul the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Meanwhile, former Rangers coach Paraskevas Polychronopoulos has thrown his support behind the proposed move, calling it ideal for both the player and the Greek side.
“Personally, I think it would be a very good move for Cyriel and AEK to make this transfer,” Polychronopoulos told the Scottish Herald.
“He is an excellent character and highly professional. A kind person, always with a smile on his face, and this is something that plays an important role.”
