BREAKING NEWS: Rangers Confirm Emotional Departure of Star Striker Cyriel Dessers as He Heads to AEK Athens
In a development sure to stir deep emotions at Ibrox, Rangers Football Club have officially confirmed that their leading goalscorer Cyriel Dessers has agreed to leave the club and join AEK Athens, citing what the player described as a farewell made with a heavy heart. The move represents a major shift both on and off the pitch—ending a two-season stint in Glasgow that combined significant scoring success with periods of fan frustration.
Dessers, the 30-year-old Nigerian international, became Rangers’ top scorer during the 2024–25 campaign. He ended the season as the Premiership’s leading marksman with 18 league goals—and 51 goals across all competitions since joining in 2023. Despite accumulating over 100 appearances, his time at Glen help was fraught with a love‑hate relationship among supporters due to his inconsistency at times, particularly in big chances.
Reports confirm that Dessers has verbally agreed personal terms with Greek Super League side AEK Athens, including a lucrative contract approximating £30,000 per week or €1.8 million annually—reflecting both his ambition and the Greek club’s willingness to invest heavily in a proven scorer ([turn0search0], [turn0search11]). Sources suggest AEK had tabled a bid of around £5 million, though Rangers have held out for a fee closer to £6 million, citing the striker’s goal tally and value to the squad.
Rangers’ sporting director, Kevin Thelwell, is said to support the decision to sell, with the club viewing this as the right moment to move on. The funds would be directed toward rebuilding their forward line ahead of the 2025–26 season under newly appointed manager Russell Martin ([turn0search0], [turn0search9]). Indeed, the striker’s departure is expected to pave the way for incoming targets like Dor Turgeman or Matija Frigan, as Rangers look to reinvigorate their attacking options.
Though Dessers’ scoring record was impressive, including match-winning performances like his brace against Hearts and a hat-trick in the Scottish Cup, his stay was mixed with frustrating displays and unwanted pressure. Critics noted that despite regular goal returns, he could be guilty of missing clear opportunities—contributing to an inconsistent impression among fans.
In his statement, the striker admitted that departing Rangers was emotionally painful. He acknowledged his time at the club as significant both personally and professionally—and said leaving “with a heavy heart” underlined the bond he had developed with teammates and supporters. Nonetheless, he expressed belief this was the right move for his next career chapter.
AEK’s interest in Dessers waxed and waned through the summer. Initial progress was stalled when their coach, Marko Nikolic, publicly stated the club did not intend to sign a new forward, citing adequate depth in attack ([turn0search1], [turn0search5]). However, despite the Greek manager’s remarks downplaying the urgency to sign a striker, subsequent reports maintained that negotiations continued and that AEK remained committed—unless an agreement couldn’t be found in a narrow window.
Meanwhile, alternative suitors, notably Feyenoord, rekindled interest in Dessers. The Dutch side—where he enjoyed a successful earlier loan spell—entered the fray late, potentially triggering a bidding contest should Rangers remain firm on their valuation.
From Rangers’ perspective, replacing Dessers was always part of the plan. Manager Russell Martin appeared to prepare for both eventualities—good or bad—when composing the Champions League qualifying squad. Despite ongoing rumors, he listed Dessers in the squad, signaling faith in the player’s professionalism and potential remaining contributions.
For fans, Dessers’ departure is a bittersweet outcome. His effectiveness in front of goal was the difference in key matches—including Europa League knockout games and domestic cup ties. Yet, his erratic streak at times conflicted with high expectations from the supporters who wanted visibly clinical finishing.
In summary, Cyriel Dessers’ move to AEK Athens marks the end of a notable Rangers tenure—highlighted by sharp scoring but complicated by inconsistency and divided fans. His transfer, despite AEK’s initial hesitation, appears imminent pending final terms, and Rangers are expected to reinvest in a refreshed attacking strategy. As he leaves Ibrox, Dessers carries with him a legacy of critical goals but also an admission of farewells made heavier than anticipated.
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