Uncertainty continues to reign regarding the future of one of the more expensive members of Philippe Clement’s Rangers squad.
Last week, CEO Patrick Stewart indicated that no one would be leaving Ibrox before the close of the January transfer window.
Everton can forget about luring Hamza Igamane away from Rangers, he indicated. And while Stewart said nothing directly about Cyriel Dessers, his point was that it would be ‘irresponsible’ to let a player go at a time when the Scottish Cup and the Europa League are still up for grabs.
Does this mean Dessers is set to remain in Glasgow until the summer?
That certainly feels more likely now than it did a fortnight ago. Ligue 1 outfit St Etienne are prioritising younger options in the final third – Dessers turned 30 in December – while ambitious MLS side Atlanta United have installed Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath as their number one striker target.
Empoli are yet to make contact with Rangers regarding a potential return to Serie A, and Cagliari only have enough room in their budget for loans.
Cagliari cannot pursue permanent deal for Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers
Dessers scored six Serie A goals en route to relegation during his one and only season with Cremonese in 2022/23. Cagliari are now interested in bringing the Belgium-born Nigeria international back to Italy.
But, as Tuttomercatoweb explain, Cagliari are only exploring loan deals as they simply cannot afford permanent signings right now.
Rangers may have been tempted to cash in on Dessers, regardless of what Stewart said. The chance to recoup much of their £4.5 million investment on a now-30-year-old striker who has fallen behind Igamane and Danilo in Clement’s pecking order certainly feels like good business.
But a loan, presumably without an option or obligation-to-buy clause included, and it’s difficult to work out how Rangers would really benefit.
“The market started with the exchange of goalkeepers with Napoli,” Cagliari director Nereo Bonato told reporters over the weekend after bringining in former Leeds United youngster Elia Caprile from Napli.
“Our attention is now concentrated on the forward department, and we are evaluating the most suitable profiles, while keeping in mind that some elements could leave to free up the necessary positions.”
Rangers linked with Lawrence Shankland and Iqraam Rayners
After failing to get off the bench during those frustrating away draws at Hibernian and Dundee, Dessers played the final 25 minutes as Rangers beat St Johnstone 3-1 at Ibrox on Sunday.
In terms of potential replacements, Rangers have reportedly made a £2.4 million move for Iqraam Rayners, the prolific South African striker playing for Mamelodi Sundowns in his homeland.
Rangers have been tipped to move for Lawrence Shankland, too. The reigning Scottish Premiership Golden Boot winner is due to leave Hearts when his contract expires in the summer.
“I don’t think he would get a game over Igamane but I don’t think many people would get a game over Igamane!,” Motherwell striker Tony Watt said last week when discussing the options available to a rival Premiership club.
“I think he’s good enough [to play for Rangers]. I think he will score you 20 goals a season. He has shown that, if you get him in the box, he will l score. Hearts relied on him last year and, when he wasn’t scoring, they struggled.
“I think he would be a good signing, but it depends on what his role is going to be.”
