Nigeria international Cyriel Dessers’ potential transfer from Scottish club Rangers to AEK Athens has reportedly stalled, with Rangers unwilling to sanction his departure until a suitable replacement is secured.
The 30-year-old striker had agreed personal terms with the Greek Super League side and was expected to join them in the Netherlands for pre-season. However, according to Record Sport, Rangers have delayed greenlighting the deal as they continue their search for a forward to fill Dessers’ role.
The Scottish giants are actively engaged in several transfer negotiations, including a reported £5 million bid for Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Dor Turgeman. Nevertheless, they are prioritizing the sale of either Dessers or Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane before making further moves.
Greek outlet Sportime highlighted growing concerns, stating: “Just when it seemed everything was progressing well with AEK’s summer transfers, the first setback has occurred with David Jurasek, and it now appears the pursuit of Cyriel Dessers may also be in jeopardy.”
While Rangers are open to offers for Igamane, they have reportedly rejected interest from Ligue 1 side Lille due to what is perceived as an overly high valuation. This impasse has further complicated the club’s ability to bring in reinforcements.
New Rangers manager Russell Martin faces pressure to reshape his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, which kicks off with a pivotal UEFA Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos. So far, Rangers have secured the signings of Lyall Cameron and Max Aarons, but further incoming transfers appear to hinge on resolving the futures of both Dessers and Igamane.
AEK, who tabled a £4.5 million offer for Dessers, are now believed to be exploring alternative targets as the move for the former Cremonese striker looks increasingly unlikely. According to Sportime, the transfer is now “more likely to collapse than succeed.”
