Panathinaikos eye Rangers striker Dessers as potential replacement for Leeds target

Greek giants Panathinaikos have emerged as contenders for the signature of Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers, who is attracting mounting transfer interest in the final days of the summer window.

According to The Daily Record, the Super Eagles striker is now on the radar of the Athens club as they prepare for the likely departure of center forward Fotis Ioannidis, who has been linked with Premier League side Leeds United plus Portuguese setup Sporting CP. 

Dessers has been linked with several clubs across Europe, including AEK Athens and Serie A outfit Hellas Verona.

AEK were previously in advanced talks, even agreeing personal terms worth around £30,000 a week, but the deal collapsed after Rangers held firm on their €5 million valuation.

Panathinaikos, gearing up for a Europa League playoff clash against Samsunspor, are reportedly willing to step in, viewing Dessers as an ideal replacement for Ioannidis.

The Nigerian featured for Rangers in the Champions League qualifiers earlier this summer when the Glasgow side eliminated Panathinaikos.

Currently nursing an ankle injury, Dessers trained with Rangers before their crucial second leg clash against Club Brugge on Wednesday.

He has been included in Nigeria's provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

Adeyemi Adewale

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