“Rangers Crush Club, Now They’re Desperately Chasing an Ibrox Superstar After a Jaw-Dropping Multi-Million Dollar Snub!”
Panathinaikos prepare to rival AEK Athens in pursuit of Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers
Russell Martin has yet to dismiss the possibility of Cyriel Dessers leaving Rangers this summer, even as the club struggles to find form at the start of the campaign.
The Englishman is under mounting pressure after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by St. Mirren on Sunday, 24 August, marking a third straight Scottish Premiership match without victory.
AEK Athens saw an initial bid for Dessers turned down earlier in the window, though the Greek club have not abandoned their pursuit of the forward.
The Nigeria international missed both the clash with Club Brugge and the St. Mirren fixture due to a knee issue, raising further uncertainty about his short-term availability.
Panathinaikos prepare offer for ‘ideal’ striker
Dessers was a standout for Rangers last season, scoring 29 goals in all competitions during what proved to be a disappointing year overall for the team.
He has already opened his account this term with a goal and assist against Viktoria Plzen, though doubts persist over his commitment to staying at Ibrox.
The 30-year-old is reportedly eager for a fresh challenge, and Martin appears unable to persuade him that his future lies in Glasgow.
Rangers signed Dessers from Cremonese in 2023 for £4.5m, and in two seasons he has delivered 52 goals across 115 appearances.
This summer, Rangers have recruited Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama, yet would likely be forced back into the market if their main striker departs.
According to the Daily Record on 26 August, Panathinaikos are now preparing a formal bid for Dessers, whom they view as the perfect replacement for outgoing forward Fotis Ioanidis.
Vardy linked as potential replacement
Should Dessers leave, Rangers may revisit their interest in Premier League veteran Jamie Vardy.
The 38-year-old is currently available as a free agent following his Leicester City exit, and could represent a valuable short-term solution for Martin.
Vardy’s career record speaks volumes: a Premier League title, 145 top-flight goals, and more than 300 appearances in England’s elite division.
Despite his age, he remains sharp, having scored nine times in 35 outings for Leicester last season.
With his pace and clinical finishing still intact, Vardy could thrive on the service provided by Antman and Gassama, giving Rangers a proven goalscorer should Dessers complete a move to Greece.
