Godwin ObajeAEK Athens plot £5m swoop for Cyriel Dessers as Rangers brace for summer transfer pressure.
Cyriel Dessers may be edging closer to the Ibrox exit door as Greek giants AEK Athens line up a bold summer bid for the Rangers striker.
The 30-year-old Nigerian international remains a polarising figure among the Rangers faithful despite netting an impressive 51 goals across two seasons in Glasgow. With Rangers preparing for a significant squad overhaul under new ownership and head coach Russell Martin, Dessers’ future is under increasing scrutiny — and AEK Athens are ready to offer a fresh start.
Record Sport understands that the Greek Super League side, now under the ambitious stewardship of shipping magnate Marios Iliopoulos, have made Dessers a primary target for a marquee signing this window. AEK’s intent is clear: they want a talismanic frontman to lead a renewed title charge following a transitional period in Athens.
Dessers, who joined Rangers from Cremonese in 2023, has divided opinion with his performances. His physical presence, work rate and knack for scoring key goals have all been praised, yet his inconsistency in front of goal and occasional lack of finesse have drawn criticism from sections of the Ibrox support. Even so, his goalscoring record — 51 strikes in two campaigns — speaks volumes and remains an undeniable draw for interested suitors.
Now, AEK believe a change of scenery could unlock even more from the striker. Sources close to the Athens club say they are prepared to “push the boat out” financially to secure Dessers, confident that he fits the mould of a leader on the pitch and a symbol of the club’s renewed ambition off it.
Iliopoulos, who completed a takeover of AEK last year, is reportedly keen to make a “statement signing” this summer — a player capable of inspiring the fanbase and asserting the club’s intentions both domestically and in Europe. Dessers, with experience across multiple European leagues and a proven record at Rangers, has emerged as a leading candidate.
AEK’s interest, however, faces a significant obstacle: Rangers’ valuation. While the Greek outfit are said to be willing to invest heavily, the Ibrox hierarchy are not prepared to let Dessers go on the cheap. Club sources suggest any serious negotiations will have to begin at the £5 million mark, a figure that reflects both the player’s form and his importance in terms of squad depth.
This stance from the Scottish club is underpinned by a new direction following the arrival of American investors earlier this year. With a mandate to streamline operations while maximising asset value, the board is determined to extract fair market value for players, especially those who could still play a role in the forthcoming campaign under Russell Martin.
Martin, freshly appointed as manager, is known for his emphasis on fluid attacking football and disciplined pressing. Whether Dessers fits into that model remains to be seen, and much could depend on the club’s recruitment in the coming weeks.
Yet Rangers are also fully aware that replacing a forward with Dessers’ output is no easy task. Although not universally loved, he has delivered when it matters — particularly in domestic cup runs and key European qualifiers — and his physical profile suits the demands of Scottish football.
Dessers himself has remained tight-lipped publicly about his future, though reports in Greece suggest he would be open to a new challenge. A move to Athens would present a fresh league, a different tactical environment, and the chance to lead the line for a club with continental ambitions. AEK are expected to be active in the Europa League this season and are determined to improve on last year’s performance.
The prospect of playing in front of AEK’s famously passionate support at the OPAP Arena, as well as being the figurehead of Iliopoulos’ new regime, could appeal to the Nigerian forward — particularly at a stage in his career where regular minutes and a key role are increasingly important.
But Rangers are not under pressure to sell. With finances stabilised and a summer of strategic squad planning underway, any outgoings will be driven by value and footballing fit, not necessity. That means AEK must either meet the asking price or provide a structured deal that appeals to the Ibrox board — potentially involving performance-based clauses or a significant sell-on percentage.
The coming weeks could prove decisive. AEK are said to be drawing up a formal proposal and hope to open talks with Dessers’ representatives shortly. If progress is made, Rangers will then be left to weigh their options: cash in on a player who divides opinion but delivers goals, or keep him as a potentially useful asset in Martin’s first campaign.
As always, fan sentiment plays its part. While Dessers hasn’t always won over the Ibrox crowd, his contribution cannot be dismissed — and the idea of letting him leave without a ready-made replacement could spark unease among supporters, especially if rivals strengthen significantly.
But the reality is Rangers are a club in transition. Under new leadership, both at boardroom and touchline level, there is a desire to refresh the squad and realign its profile with the long-term vision of a younger, faster, more cohesive team.
For AEK, that creates a window of opportunity. They are no longer just sniffing around the fringes of the European transfer market — they’re looking to make statements. Marios Iliopoulos has money to spend and a fanbase to galvanise. And with Dessers firmly on the radar, the Greek giants are ready to test Rangers’ resolve.
What happens next will likely come down to numbers. Rangers will want at least £5 million — and ideally a swift deal to allow reinvestment in attacking areas. AEK must decide whether Dessers is their marquee man and if they’re willing to pay the price.
Until then, the striker remains a Rangers player — one who, despite the mixed reviews, may still have a key role to play in what promises to be a transformative season at Ibrox.
Godwin Obaje
