Cyriel Dessers throws Rangers’ transfer future into chaos as ex-coach shares game-changing advice

The future of Cyriel Dessers at Rangers has become increasingly uncertain after the club received a £5 million offer from AEK Athens. Despite his strong performance in a recent 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen, where he scored and provided an assist, speculation continues to mount as the transfer window remains open.

Billy Dodds, previously part of Barry Ferguson’s coaching team, has voiced concerns about the possible sale of Dessers. He warned that Rangers would be taking a significant risk if they allowed the striker to leave now, especially given his recent resurgence. Dodds said, “It would be a gamble now. Rangers were maybe looking to sell him going into the season. But I think the big man has bounced back again and I love players who show that.”

Dodds elaborated on Dessers’ attitude, explaining, “It’s like he thinks to himself, ‘Get another one in, I’ll put him out of the team. Get another one in, I’ll see him off too!’ The big man is now saying: ‘Right, bring it on. I’ll just show you what I can do.’ He’s scored again and he’s probably put it back in Rangers’ court.”

He expressed admiration for Dessers’ willingness to learn and adapt, citing conversations about improving his finishing. Dodds recalled, “I did point out to him, ‘Any time you take more than three touches—or two touches especially in the box—you miss your chances, big man. You miss them because you overthink it!’ He actually looked at me one of the times when he took three touches and he’s like, ‘Ah, you’re right!’ He admits it.”

Dodds praised Dessers’ resilience and openness to coaching, saying, “Honestly, the admiration I’ve got for him is incredible because I love people who react to a challenge in the face of adversity. I loved working with Cyriel. I’m not scared to say it, he’s one of my favourites because I love people who want to learn. And he’s a sponge.”

Attention also turned to Nico Raskin, who was left out of the squad for a Champions League qualifier by new manager Russell Martin after being told some players needed to ‘drop their egos.’ Dodds believes Raskin will adapt and impress under Martin, commenting, “Nico’s a very good kid. He’s got a good heart. The way I would put it is, Nico needs some convincing. But he’s great.”

Reflecting on Raskin’s development, Dodds said, “I think we had him playing some of his best football last season because he was adding goals and he realised he’s an all-rounder. He wanted to be a No 6. He can play as a No 6—nobody’s arguing with that. That’s what we told him. He’s decent there. But he’s better as an all-rounder.”

Dodds also suggested that Martin’s Rangers need more strong personalities to challenge Celtic’s dominance. “Some players were harder to handle than others. But there’s one thing that was missing at Rangers—and it was egos. When you have egos, domestically, it looks after itself. I think you go, ‘I’m a good player, we win this game consistently.’ That’s what they actually needed more of and I think that’s the thing that was missing.”

As the transfer deadline approaches, the decisions made regarding key players like Dessers and Raskin could have a significant impact on Rangers’ prospects for the season ahead.