'Dessers wanted 2.6bn naira salary' - Derksen accuses Super Eagles star after failed Feyenoord move

Highly-rated Dutch sports journalist Johan Derksen has alleged that Feyenoord chose not to sign Super Eagles star Cyriel Dessers on a permanent deal because of the striker's salary demands.

Derksen stated that the 27-year-old striker demanded a pay packet of six million euros (€6m), equivalent to 2.6 billion naira to sign for the Dutch side on a permanent basis.

The Nigerian international is now set to return to parent club KRC Genk after his season-long loan at Feyenoord came to an end on May 31, 2022.

While speaking on his TV show 'Vandaag Inside' as reported by Voetbalbelgie, Derksen accused Dessers of wanting 'excessive cash' from the deal with Feyenoord.

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The former Voetbal International Editor-in-Chief also insinuated that the sum the Super Eagles striker was demanded was too much for a 'substitute.'

Derksen said: “A salary package of six million euros… for a player who has actually been a substitute until now. He now wants to cash excessively, you know. Six million, for a pinch hitter."

Earlier on Wednesday, Feyenoord released an official press statement to confirm that they would not be signing Dessers on a permanent basis.

The statement, made by Feyenoord's Technical Director Frank Arnesen, read in part: "A memorable year, for many reasons. Cyriel did exactly what we got him for: score goals and make a difference. 

"He has made a major contribution to the club's European success this year. And not unimportant: he has stolen the hearts of the public in De Kuip. We therefore wish him every success in the continuation of his football career."

Feyenoord had a €4m option-to-buy clause inserted in Dessers' loan deal from Genk but chose to not activate it despite the Super Eagles striker's excellent performance all season.

Dessers scored a total of 21 goals and created four (4) assists for Feyenoord in 41 appearances for the club, 

He was also the top scorer in the UEFA Europa Conference League where he led Feyenoord to the final with 10 goals and two (2) assists from 13 matches.