“Complete” £6.5m CF now keen on signing for Rangers, he’s a dream Dessers replacement

Russell Martin Gets Clarity Ahead of Champions League Test as Cyriel Dessers Future Remains Uncertain

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin now knows exactly who his team will face in the crucial Champions League qualifiers next month—Greek giants Panathinaikos. With the first leg approaching fast, attention has turned to transfer activity, with the club needing to sharpen its squad in time for the two-legged showdown.

A number of positions still carry uncertainty, and one of the major talking points surrounds the future of striker Cyriel Dessers. AEK Athens have expressed interest in the Nigeria international, though reports suggest they are only prepared to offer £3.8 million, short of Rangers’ £5 million valuation.

With the transfer window ticking down, Martin may be wise to urge the club to part ways with the 30-year-old, freeing up space—and budget—for a more suitable option.

Why Selling Cyriel Dessers Makes Sense

From a tactical perspective, Dessers may not align with the more aggressive, physically robust style Martin is reportedly targeting. Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness previously described Dessers as a “marmite” figure among fans—capable of goals, yet prone to going “invisible” in key matches.

His statistics from the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign back up those concerns:

• Appearances: 35
• Goals: 18
• Big chances missed: 21
• Ground duel success: 34%
• Aerial duel success: 31%

While Dessers did score regularly, his lack of physical impact—winning just 33% of his total duels—raises concerns about his suitability for a team that needs a strong, combative presence up front.

Matija Frigan: A Dream Replacement?

One potential replacement already on the radar is Matija Frigan. The 22-year-old Croatian has publicly acknowledged interest in a move to Ibrox, suggesting he feels suited to the rigours of Scottish football.

“That style of league would suit me… I think I’m a player for that type of football.”
— Frigan, via Daily Record

Valued at £6.5 million by Belgian club Westerlo, it remains unclear whether Rangers are willing to meet that price. However, the stats make a compelling case for why they should.

Frigan vs. Dessers: The Numbers Tell the Story

Frigan clearly offers more physicality and better all-round engagement in duels, which is crucial in the Scottish Premiership’s demanding environment. At 6’1″, he presents a more commanding option than Dessers and has shown he can also contribute creatively, creating six big chances for teammates.

Scouted as a “complete striker” by football talent expert Jacek Kulig, Frigan could bring the combination of presence, productivity, and potential that Martin’s side currently lacks.

Verdict

With Rangers needing to strengthen for a high-stakes European test and a demanding domestic campaign, the time could be right to cash in on Cyriel Dessers and invest in a more complete, physically assertive forward like Matija Frigan. The stats, the style, and the attitude all point in one direction—change up front might be exactly what Rangers need.