Greek giants AEK Athens are making headlines with their renewed pursuit of Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers, who has just capped a sensational season as the Scottish Premiership’s top scorer with Rangers. The 30-year-old forward’s prolific goal-scoring exploits have made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. AEK are reportedly ready to break the bank to secure his signature this summer.
Dessers’ stock has never been higher. After netting 18 goals to claim the Premiership Golden Boot, he finished the 2024/25 season with an impressive 29 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions for Rangers. He was instrumental in Rangers’ attack, scoring in each of the club’s five post-split fixtures. He maintaining the best minutes-per-goal ratio in the league, finding the net every 118 minutes. Since joining Rangers from Serie A side Cremonese for €4.5 million in 2023, Dessers has amassed 51 goals in two seasons.
AEK Athens’ interest comes as they look to reinforce their frontline following the departure of Levi Garcia. The club sees Dessers as the ideal candidate to spearhead their push for another Super League title. However, prising him away from Rangers will not be easy. Dessers still has two years left on his contract. His current form means the Scottish club will demand a significant fee.
Dessers recently shone for the Super Eagles at the 2025 Unity Cup. Je scored the opener in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Ghana and provided a crucial assist in the final against Jamaica as Nigeria lifted the trophy. Despite limited opportunities in competitive fixtures for the national team, Dessers has made every chance count. He has four goals and three assists in seven appearances for Nigeria, all in friendlies.
Dessers previously played in Eredivisie, Belgian Pro League, Serie A, and now Scotland. With AEK Athens intensifying their efforts, all eyes will be on Dessers’ next move. Should the Greek side succeed, they will not only secure a proven scorer but also send a strong message of intent for the upcoming season. For now, the Nigerian marksman remains one of the hottest properties on the summer transfer market.