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Rangers Line Up Move for Matija Frigan as Dessers Nears Exit to AEK Athens

Rangers are preparing a bid for Croatian striker Matija Frigan as the club moves to bolster its attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Cyriel Dessers expected to depart for AEK Athens in a cut-price deal.

According to fresh reports emerging on Friday (13 June), the Ibrox side are weighing up a summer swoop for Frigan, who is seen as a potential replacement for Dessers, whose time in Glasgow appears to be drawing to a close. The Nigerian international is reportedly on the verge of sealing a move to Greece, with AEK set to pay around £1.5 million to secure his services.

Dessers’ exit would mark the end of a mixed spell at Rangers. The 29-year-old arrived from Cremonese in 2023 and featured regularly under both Michael Beale and Philippe Clement, but despite flashes of quality, he failed to fully convince in front of goal. Now, with Rangers looking to reshape their frontline, attention has turned to 21-year-old Frigan — a forward whose profile fits the club’s ambition to inject youth and energy into the squad.

Frigan, who currently plies his trade with Belgian outfit Westerlo, is understood to be valued at around £6 million and has impressed since his move from HNK Rijeka last year. The Croatian U21 international is seen as a rising talent in European football, known for his intelligent movement, clinical finishing and strong work ethic — qualities that could suit Clement’s pressing style and attacking intent.

Sources close to the situation suggest Rangers have been monitoring Frigan for some time and are now ready to make their move as the transfer window gathers pace. With a clear need to rejuvenate their forward line — especially in light of Alfredo Morelos’ earlier departure and potential interest in Hamza Igamane — Frigan is emerging as a top priority for the recruitment team.

The potential arrival of Frigan would represent a significant outlay for the Ibrox club, but it would also underline their long-term planning under Clement, who has made no secret of his desire to build a younger, more dynamic squad capable of challenging for both domestic and European honours.

Meanwhile, the departure of Dessers will free up both squad space and wages, allowing Rangers to redirect resources towards emerging talents. While the £1.5 million fee is a considerable drop from what the club originally paid, the decision reflects a pragmatic approach to squad management and an acknowledgment that a fresh start may benefit all parties.

With Frigan high on the wishlist and talks expected to advance in the coming days, Rangers look set to enter a crucial phase in their summer rebuild. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Croatian striker is the next piece in Clement’s evolving Ibrox puzzle — and whether he can become the cutting edge Rangers sorely missed in key moments last term.