The Greeks mean business after takeover by Marios Iliopoulos but new Ibrox regime determined to turn a profit on Dessers
Cyriel Dessers
Greek Giants AEK are preparing to push the boat out to land Rangers hitman Cyriel Dessers.
The enigmatic Ibrox striker has blasted 51 goals in two years in Glasgow but remains a divisive figure among the Light Blue legions.
Now Record Sport understands AEK are keen to offer him a fresh start in the Greek capital – and are willing to spend big.
The Yellow and Blacks were taken over by shipping magnate Marios Iliopoulos last year and he’s determined to make a statement signing this summer.
They’ve identified Gers’ 30-year-old Nigeria international as the man they want to spearhead their big push to recapture the Super League title they last won in 2023.
But they will likely have to start the bidding at the £5million mark as Rangers’ new American owners prepare to dig their heels in.
The previous Ibrox regime spent £4.5million when they signed the former Feyenoord forward from Italian outfit Cremonese in 2023 and new sporting director Kevin Thelwell believes his record of scoring a goal-every-other game in Glasgow justifies a return on that investment.
Dessers has been the subject of interest in recent windows, with his agent Stijn Franics revealing earlier this year that he had as many as TEN clubs sniffing about his signature in January.
None could come up with the cash Gers were looking for and he stayed on to finish the campaign in Glasgow only one shy of the 30 mark.
Cyriel Dessers celebrates scoring the opening goal
Selling Dessers would free up some fresh funds for new boss Russell Martin to spend.
Andrew Cavenagh and his partners from the San Francisco 49ers have vowed to inject £20m of fresh funds into the Ibrox coffers, with CEO Patrick Stewart promising the new gaffer a “decent amount” would be ring fenced for recruitment purposes.
But Martin has been told he will have to move players on if he wants to raise additional funds for what is likely to be a considerable rebuild this summer.
Record Sport broke the news last week that Leicester City defender Conor Coady could be the first new face in bolster Gers’ backline. Ib Rox chiefs have already made contact with the Foxes as they look to kick off the Martin revolution with the experienced ex-England’s capture.
We also revealed how Rangers are in the hunt for £4 million-rated Israeli striker Dor Turgeman, who could be the man to replace Dessers.
Talks with his club Maccabi Tel Aviv are on going as Rangers look to land the 21-year-old hit-man.
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