- Kris Boyd insists Philippe Clement must fight to keep Dessers to ensure success by the end of the season
- Dessers has been linked with several Serie A clubs despite being on course to surpass last season's tally of 22 goals
- Dessers’ performance could be crucial in Rangers' upcoming UEFA Europa League group phase decider against Union Saint-Gilloise
Former Rangers and Scotland striker Kris Boyd has issued a stern warning to Rangers manager Philippe Clement against selling Nigerian forward Cyriel Dessers.
The 30-year-old striker has faced criticism for inconsistent performances since joining the Scottish club but has shown flashes of brilliance in recent weeks, proving his value in the team.
Dessers, who initially lost his starting spot to Moroccan U-23 striker Hamza Igamane, has returned to form, scoring four goals in his last two matches. Despite his resurgence, rumours of a potential exit have persisted since the January transfer window opened.
However, Boyd insists that allowing Dessers to leave could harm Rangers’ ambitions this season.
Speaking about the situation, Boyd said,
“If Philippe Clement wants success between now and the end of May, he should fight to keep Dessers. The Nigerian international turns up for his work every single day, he’s always available, and he scores goals — 17 of them so far this season. Do not underestimate how important that is for this squad.”
Boyd also expressed concerns about Rangers’ striker depth, especially with Danilo currently sidelined due to injury. The team is left with only two options upfront; Dessers and Igamane. While Boyd acknowledged Igamane’s potential, he cautioned that the young Moroccan still lacks the experience needed to deliver consistently in high-stakes matches,
“Igamane has a lovely touch, links the play well, and uses the ball intelligently, but he’s young and still learning. He needs to offer more inside the box,” Boyd stated, adding that Dessers’ experience and physicality are irreplaceable.
The Nigerian striker has already scored 17 goals this season and is on track to surpass last season’s tally of 22 goals. Boyd also warned of growing interest in Dessers from struggling Serie A clubs, emphasising the need for Rangers to retain their proven goal-scorer.
As Rangers prepare for their final UEFA Europa League group phase game against Union Saint-Gilloise, Boyd stressed the importance of balancing youth and experience. He praised Clement for integrating young talents like Rice and Findlay Curtis into the squad but insisted that seasoned players like Dessers are essential for success in tough away matches.
Boyd reiterated that Dessers remains Rangers’ best hope for achieving their objectives this season, both domestically and in Europe.
“Fans threw stones at our bus,” Leon Balogun recounts experience representing Nigeria
Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun and his Rangers team-mates had to survive the frustrations and groans from the home fans at Ibrox on Sunday, November 10 as they struggled to a 1-0 win over Hearts.
The 36-year-old defender, in his fourth year at Ibrox, recalled a much more complicated situation after Nigeria let slip a comfortable lead in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier four years ago.
