If this turns out to be Cyriel Dessers’ final start in a Rangers jersey under Philippe Clement, what a way to bow out.
Fraserburgh may not have been the caliber of opposition Dessers envisioned when he joined Rangers in the summer of 2023, seeking European football and a shot at silverware. Yet, the Nigeria international’s beaming smile as he completed his hat-trick against the fifth-tier side spoke volumes.
It looked like the expression of a man who knew he might be signing off at Ibrox—and doing so in style.
Last week, Dessers revealed plans to discuss his future with Rangers amid interest from clubs in Italy, France, and Spain. La Liga side Leganés are reportedly returning with a bid after narrowly missing out on signing him three-and-a-half years ago.
Dessers has lost his starting spot to Hamza Igamane and now finds himself behind Danilo in the pecking order. The Fraserburgh clash marked his first start of 2025, and while he left the pitch with the match ball in hand, the former Feyenoord striker may not relish spending his later years playing against lower-league opponents while watching Igamane lead the line at Old Trafford this Thursday.
McCormack Backs Dessers Over Celtic’s Idah
Although Dessers has divided opinions among Rangers supporters, many in the media admire his resilience and determination. Ross McCormack, for instance, still favors Dessers over Celtic’s Adam Idah despite the latter being younger and viewed as a key player for his side.
“Right now, I’d go with Idah because of his age,” McCormack said. “But if they were both 25 or 26, I’d take Dessers every day of the week.”
Since joining Celtic permanently, Idah has netted eight goals in 31 appearances. Dessers, by contrast, has scored double that amount in just two more games, with his recent hat-trick boosting his tally.
McCormack remains a staunch admirer of Dessers, even preferring him to Danilo. “He’s not amazing, but if you gave me a choice between Dessers and Danilo, I’d take Dessers. He’s strong, tenacious, and yes, he misses chances, but he doesn’t let it affect him.”
Boyd on the ‘Dessers Dilemma’
Kris Boyd acknowledges the “conundrum” Rangers face with Dessers. Despite a healthy return of 38 goals in a season and a half, the striker has slipped to third choice, with Igamane in scintillating form.
“Dessers has gone from being first-choice to third. At his age, he’ll want to play regularly,” Boyd said. “Rangers may want to cash in to strengthen other areas, but they can’t afford to leave themselves short on strikers.”
Boyd added that Dessers’ attitude has been commendable despite his reduced role. “He doesn’t sulk. He comes on, gets himself a goal, and keeps going. If a decent offer comes in, it’s a tough decision for Rangers.”
