adminRussell Martin Lining Up Matija Frigan as Potential Danilo Replacement in Major Rangers Overhaul
The arrival of Russell Martin as the new head coach of Rangers has ushered in a fresh chapter at Ibrox, with the Scottish giants preparing for a transformative summer following another trophyless season. Martin, who recently departed from Southampton, has been tasked with ending Celtic’s domestic dominance and restoring Rangers to the summit of Scottish football. However, to achieve that, substantial changes are expected—especially in the forward line.
One name already under scrutiny is Brazilian striker Danilo, whose time at Ibrox has been marred by persistent injury setbacks despite flashes of his evident quality. And with Rangers reportedly keeping tabs on KVC Westerlo’s Matija Frigan, it appears Martin could be eyeing a direct upgrade in the No.9 position.
Danilo’s Frustrating Spell at Ibrox
Signed for £6 million from Feyenoord in the summer of 2023, Danilo arrived in Glasgow with significant expectations. The 25-year-old brought with him experience from the Eredivisie and an eye for goal, but his tenure at Rangers has so far been derailed by injuries and inconsistency.
In his first two seasons, Danilo has missed a staggering 53 matches due to injury, including a broken cheekbone and two separate knee issues. While his return of five goals and four assists in just 878 Premiership minutes this past season indicates a solid output when fit, his inability to stay available has cast doubts over his long-term suitability under Russell Martin.
Injuries aside, Danilo’s style of play also presents challenges. He thrives on quick transitions and open spaces—situations not often afforded in the Scottish Premiership, where teams regularly sit deep against Rangers. The lack of consistency in his appearances has also prevented him from building any rhythm or rapport with teammates, which has stifled his impact.
Matija Frigan: A More Reliable and Dynamic Option
With Rangers keen to bolster their attacking ranks, reports suggest the club is monitoring Croatian striker Matija Frigan of KVC Westerlo. While no official bid has been launched, and Frigan may not be the top target—given ongoing talks for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Dor Turgeman—the interest is a clear indication that Martin is considering reshaping his frontline.
Frigan, only 22, has already proven himself a consistent performer in Belgium. Since the start of the 2023/24 season, he has made 69 appearances in all competitions, including 39 this season alone. His availability stands in stark contrast to Danilo’s injury-prone stint, highlighting one of the main reasons why he’s being targeted: reliability.
Statistically, Frigan also outshines Danilo. The Croatian has netted 13 goals this season compared to Danilo’s five, while also boasting a superior conversion rate (14% vs. 11%) and averaging more goals per game (0.3 vs. 0.2). He’s even earned praise from scouts, with renowned talent scout Jacek Kulig previously describing him as a “complete” striker—one who combines technical finesse with physical presence.
Frigan also adds versatility to his resume. Not only can he finish chances in the box, but he is also adept at creating opportunities for others, as evidenced by the six big chances he created this season. He’s won penalties, pressed from the front, and demonstrated a knack for taking on defenders—a vital trait for breaking down low-block defences in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers’ Transfer Vision Under Martin and Thelwell
With a fresh £20 million investment from the club’s new ownership group, Rangers are expected to be active this summer, and sporting director Kevin Thelwell will be working closely with Martin to identify the right profiles for a team that has underachieved for several years.
Martin’s high-possession, high-pressing system—demonstrated during his time at MK Dons and Southampton—requires forwards who are mobile, intelligent, and durable. Frigan fits that bill more naturally than Danilo, whose fitness issues make him an unreliable option in a system that demands constant movement and pressing from the front.
If a deal for Frigan materialises, it could mark the beginning of a major shift in attacking personnel, with Danilo potentially among those moved on. While the Brazilian forward has not been poor by any means, the demands of a new tactical regime and the club’s ambition to challenge Celtic more consistently leave little room for passengers.
Time to Cut Ties?
Rangers fans have seen enough over the past few seasons to understand that sentimentality cannot stand in the way of progress. Danilo has had moments of brilliance, but football at the highest level is often about availability and impact. Unfortunately for him, his persistent injury woes have rendered him an unreliable component in an area of the pitch where Rangers simply must be ruthless.
Frigan, on the other hand, represents a forward-thinking signing—one that aligns with Martin’s philosophy and the club’s long-term objectives. At just 22, he has room to grow, a solid injury record, and already possesses the raw tools to be a consistent threat in the Scottish game.
Conclusion
Russell Martin’s appointment is about more than just changing the manager—it signals a new era at Ibrox. With Rangers in desperate need of a fresh approach and new leadership both on and off the pitch, moves like signing Frigan—and potentially moving on from injury-plagued players like Danilo—represent the type of bold decisions that can propel the club back to the top.
In the coming weeks, the focus will shift to who stays, who goes, and who arrives. If Matija Frigan does make the switch to Glasgow, it may just be the first sign of Rangers evolving into a more modern, dynamic, and competitive outfit under Martin’s stewardship.
Godwin Obaje
