Cyriel Dessers, the Nigerian striker who has spent just 18 months at Rangers, could be on his way out of Ibrox in January, with Ligue 1 club AS Saint-Étienne reportedly keen on securing his services.
The 29-year-old forward has had a mixed spell at the Scottish giants since his arrival from Italian side Cremonese in the summer of 2023. While Dessers has managed a respectable tally of 34 goals and 13 assists in 80 appearances, his inconsistent performances in front of goal have left many Rangers fans unconvinced.
Cyriel Dessers Rangers exit swirls addressed as Zak Lovelace shows Clement he has replacement in waiting | @ScottBurns75 https://t.co/wlw5EOW3Oh pic.twitter.com/K2BfTycDsl
— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) December 18, 2024
Struggling for Regular Playtime
Dessers’ frustrations have mounted as he has found himself on the fringes of the team in recent weeks. Despite his contribution last season, he has struggled to secure a regular spot.
One of the defining moments of his season came during Rangers’ Sports Cup final against Celtic. Dessers was brought on as a substitute during the penalty shootout, but he did not take a spot kick, leaving some fans questioning his willingness to step up in a high-pressure situation.
“Cyriel Dessers not taking a penalty was unforgivable” 👎
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📺 https://t.co/sUA990H0JJ pic.twitter.com/blfPEX7vdL— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) December 18, 2024
This was especially notable as Rangers’ goalkeeper Jack Butland took a penalty, adding fuel to the fire surrounding Dessers’ confidence under pressure.
A Move to France?
With his future at Ibrox uncertain, Dessers is reportedly considering a move away in search of more regular playing time. According to Le Républicain Sportif, French Ligue 1 club AS Saint-Étienne are leading the race for his signature.
The 10-time French champions have been struggling this season, currently sitting 16th in Ligue 1, with just 12 goals scored in 15 matches. This lack of attacking threat has prompted the club to seek reinforcements up front, and Dessers is seen as a potential solution to their woes.
The striker’s current contract at Rangers runs until 2027, and the Scottish club could demand around £3.5 million for his services.
Despite being a regular scorer at Rangers, Dessers is third in the striker’s hierarchy, and a move to France could provide him with the opportunity to play more frequently and rediscover the form that saw him earn a move to Ibrox in the first place.
A Chance for Revival?
For Dessers, a potential move to Saint-Étienne offers a fresh start in a competitive league where he could regain his confidence and continue his career at a high level.
Having previously played for Feyenoord in the Netherlands and Cremonese in Italy, the Nigerian international is no stranger to top-flight football in Europe, and a switch to Ligue 1 could be the change he needs to reignite his goal-scoring form.
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As the January transfer window draws closer, Cyriel Dessers’ future is increasingly in doubt, with AS Saint-Étienne looking like the most likely destination for the Nigerian forward.
