Rangers Plot Ambitious Move for Dor Turgeman as Dessers Exit Looms

A new era is underway at Ibrox following the appointment of Russell Martin as Rangers’ new manager. With Champions League qualifiers just weeks away, the pressure is on to reshape the squad quickly — and the striker position looks to be a top priority.

Martin, fresh from his unveiling, is already at the heart of early summer transfer activity, and reports suggest that Rangers are lining up a £4m move for Israeli striker Dor Turgeman — a potential replacement for the under-fire Cyriel Dessers.

Rangers Accelerate Plans for New Striker

According to Daily Record reporters Scott McDermott and Anthony Evans, Rangers are locked in negotiations with Maccabi Tel Aviv for the highly-rated 21-year-old Dor Turgeman. The Israeli club values him at around £4m, and while they’re reluctant to part ways with one of their most promising talents, Rangers are believed to be making steady progress.

Turgeman has long been on the radar of the Glasgow giants, with Liav Nachmani of Israel Hayom previously reporting that the player has “expressed a willingness” to join Rangers, having been tracked by the club for months.

A product of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth system, Turgeman made his senior debut at 16 and has since amassed 109 appearances, scoring 32 goals in the process. His 2024/25 season was particularly impressive: he netted 16 league goals, finishing as the third-top scorer in the Israeli Premier League (Ligat Ha’Al), while also impressing in Europe.

In UEFA Europa League qualifying, he bagged goals against Panevėžys and TSC Bačka Topola, before scoring against La Liga side Real Sociedad in the group stage — highlighting his ability to perform on bigger stages.

International Pedigree and Future Potential

Turgeman’s pedigree extends beyond club football. He was a standout player in Israel’s U21 team that reached the semi-finals of the UEFA U21 European Championship two years ago and now has eight senior international caps. He scored in a World Cup qualifier against Norway earlier this year and is widely regarded as one of Israel’s brightest prospects.

Given his age, technical attributes, and goalscoring pedigree, Turgeman would represent a forward-thinking investment — a player with both immediate impact potential and long-term resale value.

Dessers Likely to Make Way

For Rangers to bring in Turgeman, there may be a need to move on a current high-earner — and that could mean the end of the road for Cyriel Dessers.

Signed from Cremonese for £4.5m two summers ago, Dessers has had a mixed spell in Glasgow. While his raw numbers are respectable — 51 goals and 16 assists in 109 appearances — there has been a persistent feeling among fans and pundits alike that he lacks consistency and killer instinct in front of goal.

According to Andrew Newport of the Daily Record, Greek club AEK Athens are “willing to spend big” to land the Nigerian forward, with his current valuation reportedly at £5m. Talks between the two clubs are ongoing, as per Greek journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos.

The timing could be perfect for Rangers to cash in and reinvest in a younger, more dynamic striker.

Comparing the Numbers: Turgeman vs Dessers

Let’s break down the numbers from the 2024/25 season:

While Dessers edges the raw goal count, Turgeman’s efficiency and creativity stand out. He missed 27 fewer big chances, created three times as many key opportunities, and averaged a higher SofaScore rating — despite playing fewer minutes.

Scouting Praise and Tactical Fit

Turgeman is seen as a complete modern forward. Kai Watson described him as “lethal inside the box” and a “strong ball carrier,” while Football Talent Scout’s Nene Afadzinu lauded his first touch, hold-up play, and duelling ability — essential qualities for leading the line in a physically demanding league like the Scottish Premiership.

In addition, Rui Martins of Total Football Analysis praised Turgeman’s physicality and pressing intensity, noting that his game is built for a higher level of football.

These attributes make him a natural fit for Russell Martin’s high-pressing, possession-based system. With the new manager expected to implement an energetic and dynamic style at Ibrox, Turgeman’s profile fits the bill far more snugly than Dessers’, whose heavy touches and inconsistent finishing have been a source of frustration.

Financial Logic and Long-Term Strategy

If Rangers can secure Turgeman for £4m and offload Dessers for around £5m, the move would represent smart business. A net gain in both finances and squad quality would allow Martin to address other areas of the pitch as well.

With the Champions League qualifiers against Panathinaikos, Servette, or Brann fast approaching, getting the right personnel in early is crucial. Turgeman may need time to adapt, but the potential upside is far greater than sticking with a player whose ceiling might already have been reached.

At just 21, Turgeman could be the centrepiece of a new-look Rangers attack for years to come — and possibly attract significant interest down the line from Europe’s top leagues.

Conclusion: A Transfer That Makes Sense

Russell Martin’s Rangers rebuild is only just beginning, but the signs are already promising. The pursuit of Dor Turgeman is not just about replacing Cyriel Dessers — it’s a statement of intent.

If the deal goes through, Rangers would be signing a player who’s younger, arguably more talented, and better suited to the manager’s tactical vision. Coupled with a potential profit from Dessers’ departure, this could be one of the smartest pieces of business at Ibrox in years.

As the summer transfer window heats up, Rangers fans will be watching closely — and if Dor Turgeman arrives in Glasgow, they may just have a new star to rally behind.