For the first time, Cyriel Dessers spoke about the uncertainty surrounding his future at Scottish Premiership powerhouses Rangers this week.
And while the number nine has few complaints really – Cyriel Dessers understands that Hamza Igamane warrants his place in Philippe Clement’s starting XI – the fact remains that another few months on the substitute’s bench does not really appeal to a 30-year-old striker approaching his final seasons at this level
Dessers has been linked with a return to Italy’s Serie A. La Liga outfit Leganes are reportedly interested too, Sebastien Haller departing after an underwhelming stay in Spain.
However, after the £4.5 million signing from Cremonese quietened his critics in midweek – Dessers scored a superb solo goal as Rangers thrashed Aberdeen on a dominant Wednesday night at Ibrox – the well-travelled frontman admits some difficult conversations may need to be had in the coming days.
Cagliari prioritises Cyriel Dessers, with Rangers striker set for Serie A comeback.
Now, if Dessers leaves Rangers this month – which is far from inevitable given CEO Patrick Stewart’s admission that sales are not a priority – Cagliari appears to be the most likely destination.
St Etienne are prioritising younger options, Atlanta United are closing in on Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath, and Empoli are keen to bring in Roma misfit Eldor Shomorudov.
As for Cagliari, while some have suggested the Sardinians may be limited to loan deals, Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Dessers is currently ‘the priority’ target at the Unipol Domus.
In order to bring Dessers back to Italy – he scored six Serie A goals during Cremonese’s relegation in 2022/23 – Cagliari will first have to get Gianluca Lapadula off the books. And that is a bit of a complicating factor.
Because Lapadula, the veteran former AC Milan attacker, would prefer to stay in Cagliari despite interest from second-tier Palermo.
The Cagliari Pad provide their own view of the situation. They write that, as Cagliari appear to have missed out on a deal for Fiorentina’s Torino-bound Christian Kouame, a deal for Dessers remains very much ‘alive’.
And while the Belgian-born Nigerian’s departure may not elicit too many tears on the Ibrox terraces – one of the most divisive players in Rangers’ recent history – Dessers is still Clement’s joint-top scorer this season despite starting only one game since the beginning of December.
Dessers and Kris Boyd are both upset about the impending Ibrox exit.
“Last month, I lost my starting spot,” Dessers told Voetbal International.
“The guy who is currently playing [Igamane] is also a good striker. He also scores. I strive to be supportive and helpful because I want the team to win. But it’s difficult.
“I’m not sure what my situation is now. Rangers may wish to earn anything from me this month.
“However, January is a challenging period. Clubs who are doing well are likely to have a high-performing striker. Few clubs in need of goals will have the millions ready right away.
We will just have to wait and see. I’m at a terrific club, but I’m 30 and want to play every week, preferably for Rangers.
“If there are different feelings about that internally, then we need to talk.”
Kris Boyd was torn when asked about the subject after Rangers closed the gap at the top of the table to 13 points. On one hand, selling Dessers could give Clement some much-needed funds to reinforce at the back and in midfield.
Then again, Rangers must also be mindful of leaving themselves short in the last third.
“He’s clearly been linked with a transfer away in January, but that will boost his confidence because Igamane is starting and scoring. “Danilo has gotten ahead of Dessers,” Boyd says.
“When you look at Cyriel Dessers, he’s went form being first-choice to now third. There is no getting away from it. When you are the third choice… He’s at the age where he’ll want to play football.
“We know Rangers will want to get the money in to maybe strengthen another position [but] you can’t leave yourself short on strikers though.
“I’m not sure [whether they should sell Dessers]. That’s a conundrum. He doesn’t seem to be one with a nasty attitude. If you were a first-team regular and are no longer on the team, you may spit your dummy out.
“But come on, he’s scored a goal. I don’t know, if there’s a reasonable offer…”
