Transfer Centre

Transfer news and rumours: Gabigol future, Cherki transfer, Rangers Dessers bids

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 02 July 2024

Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer news and rumours, including the future of Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa and Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki potentially moving to a new club.

Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa is reportedly expected to leave the Brazilian giants on a free transfer at the end of 2024.

After failing to make an impact on his switch to European football with Inter Milan during 2016-17, Barbosa has largely spent his time in his homeland.

A total of 150 goals and 40 assists have come from 278 appearances in all competitions during what has been a legendary spell with Flamengo.

However, his agent Junior Pedroso has made a public acknowledgement that he is now free to hold negotiations with other clubs courtesy of ending the final six months of his contract.

Speaking to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Pedroso said: "Gabriel has a contract until December. From July 1, he can sign a pre-contract and we will start working this possibility."

As it stands, it remains to be seen whether Barbosa will considering another challenge in Europe having only netted twice in 15 games for Inter and Benfica during the early phase of his career.

Cherki on brink of Lyon exit

Meanwhile, Romano has also reported on the career trajectory of Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki, who appears to be in line to sign for Borussia Dortmund.

Ever since he broke into the first team, speculation has persisted where the 20-year-old may eventually end up, with 17 goals and 25 assists coming from 141 appearances in all competitions.

Just one year remains on his Lyon contract, the French club having little intention of risking losing their most prized asset on a free transfer.

Romano says that Dortmund are now in advanced discussions over personal terms with Cherki, with the hope being that a fee can eventually be finalised with their Bundesliga counterparts.

Dortmund have recently appointed Nuri Sahin as a replacement for Edin Terzic, the new head coach said to be eager to add Cherki to his ranks.

Rangers' Cyriel Dessers celebrates scoring their second goal with James Tavernier on December 14, 2023 © Reuters

Rangers open to Dessers offers

Over in Scotland, Rangers are allegedly prepared to cash in on Cyriel Dessers during the summer transfer window.

There have already been five incomings and the same amount of outgoings at Ibrox, Philippe Clement determined to shake up his squad ahead of trying to wrestle the Scottish Premiership title off Celtic.

In his first season at the club, Dessers contributed 22 goals and nine assists from 54 appearances in all competitions, numbers which highlight his importance to the team.

However, according to Football Insider journalist Daniel Bowers, who was speaking to the outlet's 'Inside Track' podcast, Rangers are open to selling the 29-year-old before the end of August.

Dessers could be at the point of his career where he will generate the biggest fee, something which is being taken into consideration by Rangers.

Clement is also keen for more funds to strengthen his squad, with the sale of the Nigeria international representing an avenue where his budget can be substantially bolstered.