Super Eagles striker Cyriel Kolawole Dessers’ potential departure from Rangers has hit a roadblock as French Ligue 1 side AS Saint-Etienne struggles with financial constraints.
Dessers, who joined Rangers from Cremonese, has had a mixed spell at Ibrox, showcasing moments of brilliance but often struggling with consistency in front of goal. Since November 10, the Belgian-born Nigerian has started just one game for Rangers under Philippe Clement, losing his starting spot to Moroccan U-23 striker Hamza Igamane, who has netted seven goals in nine starts.
With Rangers exploring options to bolster their attack, the club is open to offloading Dessers if a suitable offer materializes. Saint-Etienne had shown interest in signing the former Feyenoord forward, but their precarious financial position has complicated negotiations.
Reports indicate that Saint-Etienne, currently battling to avoid relegation, would need to offload players to create room for Dessers’ wages. According to Rangers News, a deal this January seems unlikely unless the French side frees up funds by trimming their squad.
Further complicating the situation, Saint-Etienne is prioritizing a loan move for Rennes midfielder Baptiste Santamaria, with an option to buy, as they aim to strengthen their squad within their financial limits. Dessers is reportedly one of six players the Ligue 1 club is eyeing, but their restricted budget has forced them to be cautious in their spending.
Currently ranked as the fifth-highest earner at Rangers, Dessers may need to accept a wage cut if he wishes to secure more playing time with Saint-Etienne. Whether the Super Eagles striker is willing to make that compromise remains to be seen, but for now, his future at Ibrox appears uncertain.
