Rangers Join The Race For This Croatian Centre-forward: Why They Must Step Up The Chase | OneFootball

If a report from the Croatian outlet 24sata is believed to be true, Rangers are keeping an eye on Matija Frigan ahead of a summer move. But they are not alone in the hunt with the returning Bundesliga giant Hamburger SV and an unnamed Spanish La Liga side also in the mix for the Westerlo centre-forward.

The 22-year-old Croatia youth international progressed through the academy ranks of his boyhood club, Rijeka, and enjoyed a breakthrough 2022-23 season with the seniors, notching 15 goals and 3 assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. Loan stints at Orijent 1919 in the second-tier, followed by top-flight outfit Hrvatski Dragovoljac, helped him develop his game the season before, and his emergence as an outright ‘number 9’ earned him a €5.5m transfer to Westerlo in 2023.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 14: Cyriel Dessers of Rangers FC celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Hamza Igamane during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers FC and Dundee United FC at Ibrox Stadium on May 14, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Frigan had a slow start in Belgium with just five goals and one assist in 31 outings. But his numbers significantly improved last season as he netted 14 goals and laid on four more in 41 games. This has caught the eyes of Rangers, who are aiming for a summer rebuild under the ownership of Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises. They have sanctioned a  £20m transfer war chest – an amount Kevin Thelwell, their new sporting director, and his managerial appointment, Russell Martin, must invest wisely to close the gap with Celtic.

Why Rangers Should Stay in The Mix For The Young Croatian

Cyriel Dessers scored 29 goals last season while spearheading the Gers’ attack. But his lack of work rate and missed opportunities on big occasions often drew criticism. He is a traditional centre-forward who might struggle to fit in Martin’s free-flowing football, and the rumoured interest from AEK Athens and Olympiacos could see him ply his trade in Greece. Frigan could be brought in to replace the veteran Nigerian, however, the Glasgow giants are also weighing up a move for Dor Turgeman.

The Maccabi Tel Aviv hitman has been a regular for Israel in recent games, and the Light Blues are reportedly weighing up a £4m move for their long-term target. It remains unclear whether they would opt for both attackers, but the decision potentially lies in Hamza Igamane’s future.

The Moroccan showed his creative spark high up the pitch, as he fired 16 goals, overcoming initial struggles. Neither Philippe Clement nor Barry Ferguson could utilise his flair and finesse upfront, despite the attacking ace being on the radar of several high-profile European clubs. Rangers might struggle to retain their prized asset for the upcoming campaign and, therefore, must snap up Frigan to maintain depth, balance and quality regardless of Igamane’s departure and Turgeman’s arrival.