Marvin Bartley has offered a pointed critique that sheds light on the contrasting attitudes within the Rangers squad, particularly regarding Cyriel Dessers, a player who has often found himself under the microscope since his arrival at Ibrox last summer.

Dessers, a Nigerian international, has faced his share of criticism from Rangers fans, many of whom have questioned his ability and suitability for the club.

His performances have been a mixed bag, with fans lamenting his tendency to squander clear chances and his struggles to hold up the ball effectively during crucial moments in matches.

Yet, despite these flaws, Dessers managed to score an impressive 22 goals in all competitions last season—a statistic that speaks volumes about his ability to deliver when it counts.

Such a goal-scoring record naturally attracted interest from clubs across Europe and beyond. Early in the summer, Dessers was linked with a move away from Rangers, with PAOK among the most serious suitors.

Rumours also circulated about potential interest from clubs in France, Italy, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. However, as the new season got underway, the speculation seemed to fade, leaving fans to believe that Dessers was firmly staying put at Ibrox.

But on Tuesday evening, Italian journalist Luca Bendoni reignited the discussion by revealing that Dessers had been on the verge of leaving Rangers earlier in the summer.

According to Bendoni, Rangers and MLS side Atlanta United had nearly agreed on a £4.6 million deal for Dessers, but the move ultimately fell through—not because of financial or logistical issues, but because Dessers himself wasn’t interested in leaving the club.

Marvin Bartley, speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, responded to this revelation by commending Dessers for his loyalty and commitment to Rangers, qualities that he believes have been unfairly overlooked.

Bartley argues that the striker’s decision to stay, despite a tempting offer from Atlanta, shows a level of dedication that should be applauded by the Ibrox faithful.

“He’s (Dessers) spoken about it many times how much he is enjoying it at Rangers Football Club. And you hear a lot of players, regardless of the team they’re playing for, saying how much they enjoy it until a bid comes in and they can get out of there,” Bartley said.

“As I said, it would have been easy for him to say ‘that’s enough for me’, especially after what happened in the European game when we saw him shouting in the middle of the pitch and showing his frustration.”

Bartley’s comments highlight Dessers’ frustration as evidence of a player who genuinely cares about his role at the club.

“But that is clearly frustration of a man who cares. He gets a hard time as centre-forwards do, there’s a lot of pressure put upon them. But he is obviously here for the long run and wants to prove to people he can do it.”

For Bartley, Dessers’ commitment stands in stark contrast to some other Rangers players who, in his view, lack the same level of dedication.

Although Bartley didn’t name names, his remarks appeared to be a thinly veiled reference to Todd Cantwell, the midfielder who has recently found himself frozen out of the first team after reportedly handing in a transfer request.

Cantwell was once seen as a fan favourite, admired for his creativity and apparent passion for the Rangers jersey.

Yet, Bartley’s pointed comments suggest that Cantwell’s commitment to the cause may have been less genuine than many had hoped. His desire to leave, especially after having been a key player, has cast doubt on his true motivations.

Bartley’s praise for Dessers, juxtaposed with his criticism of others, underscores the complex dynamics within the Rangers dressing room.

While Dessers continues to face criticism, his goal-scoring record and, more importantly, his loyalty to the club, cannot be ignored.

Bartley’s defence of Dessers suggests that fans should perhaps re-evaluate their opinions of the striker, recognising the qualities he brings both on and off the pitch.

As the season progresses, Dessers’ commitment to Rangers, demonstrated by his rejection of a lucrative move to the MLS, might well prove to be the difference in how he is ultimately remembered by the Ibrox faithful.