Rangers are open to receiving hefty bids for Nigeria striker Cyriel Dessers during the January transfer window, despite the forward’s recent hat-trick exploits in the Scottish Cup victory.
The 30-year-old, who has 16 goals and five assists in 33 appearances this season, boosted his credentials with a stunning treble in Rangers’ 5-0 cup win against Highland League side Fraserburgh at Ibrox on Saturday.
According to Football Insider, interest in the striker is growing at a crucial stage of the transfer window, with French Ligue 1 side Saint Etienne among the clubs monitoring his situation.
The former Cremonese forward, who joined Rangers in July 2023 for £4.5m, has scored 38 goals and registered 14 assists in 87 appearances for the Glasgow giants, though his future at Ibrox remains uncertain.
Earlier this month, Dessers admitted his Rangers career could be nearing its end after losing his starting spot to emerging striker Hamza Igamane.
“Last month I lost my starting spot. The boy (Igamane) who is playing now is also a good striker, he also scores. I try to support him and help him because I want the team to win, but it is difficult,” he told The Scottish Sun.
“I don’t know what my situation is now. I can imagine that Rangers might want to earn something from me this month, but January is a difficult window. Clubs that are doing well probably also have a striker who is performing well, and few clubs that need goals will immediately have the millions ready.”
Saint Etienne’s interest follows Rangers’ rejection of a £4.5m bid from Major League Soccer side Atlanta United, with the Scottish giants reportedly unwilling to sell for less than their £6m valuation.
The French club, who have identified Dessers as one of six potential January targets according to Foot 365, might struggle to meet Rangers’ asking price despite being willing to spend up to €5m on targets like Montpellier midfielder Arnaud Nordin.
The Super Eagles striker has also attracted interest from Italian clubs Empoli and Cagliari, as well as Spanish outfit Leganes, though he has ruled out a return to Dutch football where he previously played for Feyenoord, Utrecht, Heracles and NAC Breda.
“Back to the Netherlands for me? Difficult,” he said. “Feyenoord now has three excellent strikers. The other clubs I played for also have a special place in my heart. But I do have a certain price and there are only a few clubs that can pay that. In any case, I want to play in a serious competition for the prizes.”
Rangers have already been linked with South African striker Isaac Rayners as a potential replacement should they decide to cash in on Dessers, who has faced criticism from some supporters despite his impressive goal return.
The striker’s contract at Ibrox runs until the summer of 2027, potentially strengthening Rangers’ negotiating position as they weigh up offers for the Nigeria international during the final days of the transfer window.
