Rangers complete signing of Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers
Rangers have completed the signing of Nigeria international Cyriel Dessers from relegated Italian side Cremonese for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old who has four international caps, has signed a four-year deal with the Scottish Premiership club.
The striker, who scored 10 goals last season, including six in Serie A, had been a key target for manager Michael Beale and becomes Rangers’ sixth arrival of the summer.
Dessers’ capture follows those of Abdallah Sima, Sam Lammers, Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, and Kieran Dowell as Rangers seek to overhaul Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Commenting on the signing of Cyriel Dessers, Rangers manager Michael Beale’
“He pushed extremely hard to make this transfer a reality and showed a huge desire to come here.
“He brings a lot of experience from playing in Holland, Belgium, and Italy, as well as in European competitions. We were looking for a very specific profile and believe that Cyriel will give us a variety of qualities both in and out of possession.
“At 28-years-old, he is at a good age and will bring personality and leadership to our team.”
Speaking to the club’s website, the Nigerian footballer said;
“There have been some long days and some stressful days, but it is a great feeling to finally be here. The history of the club, the fans, the stadium, it’s massive, but next to that I look at what is here at this moment.
“I had really good talks with Michael Beale about his plans, the ideas of what he wants on and off the pitch and I thought that could be a really good fit for me and for the team.”
Dessers started his career with Belgian clubs Leuven and Lokeren before moving to the Netherlands with Breda, Utrecht, and Heracles Almelo then returning to the land of his birth, Belgium, with Genk in 2020. After failing to become a regular starter, he was loaned to Feyenoord.
Despite 24 of his 42 appearances coming from the bench, Dessers scored 20 goals, including 10 in the Europa Conference League, but the Dutch club decided against exercising an option to buy.
After joining Cremonese in August, he went on to score seven times in 29 appearances last season in Italy’s Serie A.
