Godwin ObajeDessers Set for AEK Move: Six Forwards Who Could Replace Him at Rangers
Russell Martin’s reshaping of the Rangers squad is underway, with Cyriel Dessers set to become the first major departure of the summer. The Nigerian international is closing in on a move to AEK Athens, with negotiations well advanced despite a delay over the final fee.
Dessers has delivered a respectable goal return during his time at Ibrox, but his inconsistent finishing and erratic decision-making in key moments often left fans frustrated. Now, with his exit all but inevitable, the spotlight shifts to how Rangers will replace the 29-year-old forward.
Using data provided by analytics specialists SciSports, several possible replacements have emerged based on two profiles: players who match Dessers in style, and those more suited to the forward profile Russell Martin favoured at Southampton, such as Cameron Archer.
Dessers-style replacements:
Jacob Brown (Luton Town)
Estimated Transfer Value: €3.5m
The Scotland international is a Glasgow native through his mother’s side and has Premier League experience, but his modest goal return may raise doubts. SciSports data shows he is a weaker stylistic match than Dessers, and with Rangers aiming to upgrade in attack, a move for the 27-year-old appears unlikely.
Igor Matanovic (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Estimated Transfer Value: €9.4m
The 22-year-old Croatian-German forward is a more ambitious target. With playing time limited in Frankfurt due to the arrival of €100m striker Hugo Ekitike, Matanovic could be available for as little as €5m. A move to Ibrox would see him become a key figure immediately, and the chance to play alongside international teammate Borna Barisic could aid any transition.
Julian Carranza (Feyenoord)
Estimated Transfer Value: €9.4m
Carranza endured a difficult first year in the Eredivisie, scoring only once in the league after a calf injury disrupted his campaign. However, the Argentine did net against AC Milan in the Champions League and previously impressed in MLS, scoring 37 goals across stints with Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union. His experience in English-speaking environments could ease a move to Scotland.
Archer-style forwards preferred by Russell Martin:
Ross Stewart (Southampton)
Estimated Transfer Value: €4.4m
Martin knows Stewart well, having signed him for Southampton. The 28-year-old ended a difficult injury-hit season on a high by scoring against Arsenal. With his future on the south coast uncertain, a return to Scotland could offer a chance to rebuild — although his fitness record will be a concern.
George Hirst (Ipswich Town)
Estimated Transfer Value: €4.4m
Despite limited minutes, Hirst scored three Premier League goals last term. Injuries and the emergence of Liam Delap curtailed his season, but SciSports rate him as a more complete forward than Dessers. Still, with a more prominent role expected in the Championship next term, Ipswich may be reluctant to sell.
Junior Adamu (SC Freiburg)
Estimated Transfer Value: €5.2m
Arguably the most exciting name on the list, Adamu has the raw potential to thrive at Ibrox. The 24-year-old Nigeria-born Austria international netted just twice last season but is rated as a stronger attacking asset than Dessers by SciSports. With Celtic’s own attack providing a benchmark, Rangers may need to take risks to close the gap — and Adamu could be worth the gamble.
As Dessers edges closer to the exit door, Russell Martin must now decide what kind of striker fits his vision for Rangers. Whether he opts for a like-for-like replacement or reshapes the role entirely, the club’s next move in the market could prove pivotal in the manager’s first season at Ibrox.
Godwin Obaje
