Saint-Étienne’s new manager, Eirik Horneland, has cast doubt over a potential January move for Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers, despite the Ligue 1 side’s ongoing struggle to secure their top-flight status.

With just 12 goals scored—ranking as the second-lowest in the league—speculation about reinforcements for the team’s attacking line has been growing, Footballrover reports.

However, Horneland has indicated that right now, player recruitment is not a priority for the January transfer window.

Horneland’s tactical vision takes priority

Speaking to L’Equipe via Rangers News, Horneland emphasised his focus on maximising the current squad’s potential rather than chasing new signings like Dessers.

He envisions a proactive style of play, balancing rapid attacking moves with strong defensive discipline, and aims to foster collaboration among the players to achieve better results.

Horneland also stressed the importance of fan support and hard work to turn the tide for Saint-Étienne, currently sitting in 16th place in Ligue 1.

While acknowledging the team’s technical strengths, he plans to focus on individual evaluations before implementing tactical adjustments.

Why Cyriel Dessers might be off the table

Cyriel Dessers, who has struggled to make an impact at Rangers despite scoring 6 goals and 2 assists in 16 matches, was seen as a potential solution to Saint-Étienne’s attacking woes.

However, his diminished role at the Scottish club, combined with the resurgence of forwards Hamza Igamane and Brazilian striker Danilo, has pushed him down the pecking order.

With Igamane netting five goals in his last seven starts and Danilo earning the trust of Rangers manager Philippe Clement, Dessers faces an uncertain future at Ibrox.

And for now, Saint-Étienne’s reluctance to engage in January transfers only adds to the worries surrounding his next move.

“My goal is to work with the existing team and provide collective work. I am convinced that players in the team already have great technical abilities. Building on that should allow us to work well.

“To be honest, I am not interested in the transfer window at the moment. I prefer to focus on getting to know the players, listening to them, and working together,“ Horneland said.

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