Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers has reportedly ‘said no to Rangers’ as the Ibrox-linked centre-forward opts to stay in Serie A instead.
A fortnight ago, a move to Glasgow felt like a formality for the 28-year-old Nigeria international. That was before, however, Torino threw their hat into the ring.
The Granata finished tenth in Italy’s top flight last season. And, following Cremonese’s relegation, Torino have come forth to offer Cyriel Dessers the chance to prove he can make his mark in a stronger, more stable Serie A side.
According to Calciomercato, Dessers ‘would prefer to stay in Italy’. What’s more, he has reportedly turned down the chance to become Mick Beale’s fifth signing of the summer, following the additions of Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland, Kieran Dowell and the former Atalanta misfit Sam Lammers.
Cyriel Dessers turns down Rangers move
Rangers had an opening bid of £3 million rejected by Cremonese a few weeks back. The Glasgow giants were reportedly planning a new offer of around £5.2 million – including add-ons (Calciomercato) – but Cremonese appear reluctant to budge on their £7 million valuation.
A fee that, even if Dessers had his heart set on Ibrox, may have been a little reach for Beale’s blood.
As such, Rangers may now be forced to turn their attention elsewhere. Petar Ratkov joined Red Bull Salzburg over the weekend, but the likes of Matija Frigan, Nikola Krstovic and Josh Maja – who could be available on a free after Bordeaux missed out on promotion back to Ligue 1 – remain on the market.
Dessers, however, was arguably the most enticing of Rangers’ striker targets. He is certainly the most ‘proven’. An Eredivisie Golden Boot winner with Heracles and scorer of 20 goals during the 2021/22 season at Feyenoord.
Sergio Porrini, the former Rangers, Juventus and Italy defender, expected Dessers to break the 20-goal barrier again at Ibrox.
“If he is a first-choice striker for Rangers, he’ll score a lot,” Porrini told the Scottish Express.
“Cyriel has big shoes to fill in Alfredo Morelos,” Porrini adds. It’s not easy to replace a player who has done so well, but I’m sure Cyriel can more than replace him. He’s the sort of player the fans will love. He’s played in a number of good leagues and scored goals. He’ll be confident in his ability.
“He can score more than 20 goals, I’m sure of that. Fifteen goals would be the first target. But, if he starts well, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him score more than 20.”
