Champion League
Rumour Mills: Rangers stand firm on Cyriel Dessers as AEK Athens interest persists

By Dayo Awoniyi
Rangers are holding their ground over the future of Cyriel Dessers, despite renewed interest from Greek side AEK Athens in the Nigerian international.
AEK have reportedly reached personal terms with the striker, offering an attractive €1.8 million annual salary — approximately £30,000 per week — but the transfer remains in limbo.
Rangers have made it clear they will not entertain offers below £5 million, having rejected AEK’s initial bid of around £3.8 million.
The Scottish Premiership club is also unwilling to green-light any move without first securing a suitable replacement up front. This strategic hesitation comes as AEK weigh up alternative options, including a possible deal for former Real Madrid striker Luka Jović — a development that could shift their focus away from Dessers entirely.
For now, Dessers appears content to stay at Ibrox. After registering a goal and an assist in Rangers’ 3-0 UEFA Champions League qualifying win over Viktoria Plzen, the 29-year-old seemed to suggest he isn’t going anywhere just yet. In a brief exchange with fans, he quipped: “Looks like I’m staying, eh? I’m here today.”
Former Rangers striker and coach Billy Dodds has urged caution, insisting the club would be unwise to part ways with a player he believes can contribute up to 28 goals a season.
As the transfer window ticks on, Rangers appear resolute — with Dessers remaining a key part of their European and domestic ambitions unless the right offer, and a replacement, are firmly in place.