adminRangers Ready £6M Bid for Matija Frigan as Cyriel Dessers Nears Ibrox Exit
Rangers are reportedly stepping up their interest in Croatian striker Matija Frigan as they look to reshape their forward line ahead of the new season.
With Cyriel Dessers seemingly on the verge of leaving Ibrox, Russell Martin and the club’s recruitment team are moving swiftly to identify a suitable replacement — and Frigan has emerged as a primary target.
The 21-year-old currently plays for KVC Westerlo in Belgium and enjoyed an impressive season in the Jupiler Pro League. Now, he could be set for a big move to Glasgow as Rangers prepare to launch a £6 million bid, according to a report from The Scottish Sun (13 June).
This transfer pursuit comes at a pivotal time for Rangers, with new manager Russell Martin tasked with overhauling the squad after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, which saw the club finish a staggering 17 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Dessers Poised to Join AEK Athens
One of the first major outgoings of the summer is set to be Cyriel Dessers. The Nigerian international striker is expected to complete a move to AEK Athens in the coming days for a fee of around £1.5 million — a sharp drop from the initial fee Rangers paid to secure his services.
Dessers’ time at Ibrox was a mixed bag. While he managed to contribute a respectable number of goals during his stint in Glasgow, questions remained about his consistency, adaptability, and suitability to the demands of Scottish football. His departure will free up valuable space in the squad and the wage bill, giving Russell Martin the flexibility to reshape his attack.
With Dessers all but gone, the need for a new number nine is now paramount. The Ibrox board are aware of this urgency and are ready to back Martin in the transfer market.
Russell Martin Keen to Land Frigan
Martin, who was appointed earlier this summer, is eager to stamp his identity on the team. A high-energy, attacking style of play will be central to his philosophy, and having the right striker to lead the line is essential.
Matija Frigan appears to tick many of the boxes Martin is looking for. The Croatian forward scored 14 goals and provided 4 assists in 41 appearances for Westerlo last season, showcasing his goal-scoring ability and versatility in attack.
Crucially, Frigan is also known for his mobility, tactical intelligence, and willingness to press defenders — all qualities that align perfectly with Martin’s vision for how he wants Rangers to play.
According to reports, Rangers are now preparing an official £6 million offer to bring Frigan to Ibrox. While there is expected to be competition from other clubs across Europe, the Gers are hopeful that the promise of regular first-team football and the chance to play in a side built around his talents will prove persuasive.
Frigan: A Perfect Fit for Rangers?
Frigan’s profile makes him an ideal candidate to spearhead a new-look Rangers attack. At just 21 years old, he represents a long-term investment who can grow and develop under Martin’s guidance.
His playing style has drawn comparisons to Ciro Immobile, the prolific Italian striker. Frigan’s ability to finish with both feet, his intelligent movement in the box, and his clinical edge make him a constant threat in front of goal.
Moreover, his work rate and adaptability would allow Rangers to operate with a more fluid, dynamic front line — something that was missing at times last season.
With Rangers also reportedly interested in players like Dor Turgeman, it is clear that there is a desire to build a younger, more versatile attacking unit. Bringing Frigan to Ibrox would be a significant step in that direction.
The Importance of Rebuilding the Squad
Rangers’ disappointing performance last season has prompted a clear recognition that change is needed. The club fell well short of expectations, both domestically and in Europe, and a major squad refresh is now underway.
The arrival of sporting director Kevin Thelwell is another key development. Thelwell, who has a strong track record in recruitment and squad building, is fully aligned with Martin in targeting Frigan as a priority signing.
With the backing of 49ers Enterprises, who have injected fresh investment into the club, Rangers are now in a position to compete for top talent in the market. The owners are keen to see tangible progress on the pitch and are prepared to provide the financial support needed to achieve that.
Frigan would not only strengthen Rangers’ first team but also fit into a broader strategy of acquiring players with high potential resale value. Should he succeed at Ibrox, Frigan could ultimately command a substantial transfer fee in the future — a model the club has looked to emulate in recent years.
Lessons from the Dessers Deal
The impending departure of Cyriel Dessers offers a valuable lesson for Rangers as they navigate the transfer window. While Dessers contributed key goals during his time at the club, there were persistent concerns about his suitability for the team’s style of play.
His lack of pace and agility often limited Rangers’ ability to press effectively and transition quickly in attack. Martin is determined to avoid a repeat of this mismatch and is prioritising players who align with his tactical philosophy.
Frigan, with his mobility, finishing ability, and tactical intelligence, appears to fit the bill perfectly. Signing him would not only address the immediate need for a striker but also signal a clear shift in the club’s approach to recruitment.
Competition for Frigan’s Signature
Of course, securing Frigan’s signature will not be straightforward. Interest in the young Croatian is growing, with several clubs from across Europe monitoring his situation.
Rangers, however, are confident that they can present a compelling case. The opportunity to play for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs, compete in Europe, and be a central figure in Martin’s project could prove attractive to Frigan.
His previous success under Sergej Jakirovic at HNK Rijeka and his strong performances in Belgium suggest that he is ready to take the next step in his career. A move to Rangers could provide the perfect platform for him to showcase his talents on a bigger stage.
Conclusion: A New Era at Ibrox?
As Rangers prepare to launch their £6 million bid for Matija Frigan, there is a palpable sense of anticipation among the Ibrox faithful. The club’s willingness to invest in young, high-potential talent is an encouraging sign that lessons from past windows have been learned.
If Rangers can land Frigan, it would mark a significant statement of intent — both in terms of their ambitions for the coming season and their long-term vision. Coupled with further smart recruitment, the addition of Frigan could help Rangers close the gap on Celtic and re-establish themselves as a dominant force in Scottish football.
For Russell Martin, bringing in the right players to fit his system will be crucial to delivering success. Frigan looks to be an ideal fit, and Rangers fans will be hoping that the club can get this deal over the line in the coming weeks.
Godwin Obaje
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