Rangers midfielder Nedim Bajrami has backed Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers to remain at the club despite transfer interest from Italian sides Cagliari, Empoli and Spanish outfit Leganes, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The £4.5m signing from Cremonese has netted 17 goals this season, including a stunning strike in Rangers’ 2-1 Europa League defeat at Manchester United on Thursday.
“I think the last month has not been easy for him,” Bajrami said ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee United.
“But he’s still been trying to help the team on and off the pitch. He deserves his goal (vs Man United) and everyone was happy for him. Yeah, I hope everyone stays. But, at the end of the day, he has to choose. This is football.”
The Belgian-born Nigeria international, who has scored 39 goals in Rangers colours, has struggled for regular starts since December, making just his second start in last weekend’s Scottish Cup win over Fraserburgh, where he netted a hat-trick.
Rangers defender Robin Propper also praised Dessers’ quality following his impressive display at Old Trafford.
“Cyriel’s goal was a huge moment. It was an amazing finish,” Propper said.
“You can see how good he is when he’s in contact with defenders. You see how good his touch is and of course the clean finish. It was amazing.”
Rangers manager Philippe Clement hailed the striker’s professionalism amid speculation about his future.
“He did really well and he showed again his great mentality,” Clement told reporters.
“What he showed for every second that I’ve been in the building. I never saw a different Cyriel in any circumstances.”
The Gers, who sit second in the Scottish Premiership with 47 points from 23 games, face third-placed Dundee United at Tannadice Park on Sunday.
