Godwin ObajeRangers Look to Hijack Hamburg’s Move for Matija Frigan in Bold Summer Transfer Push
Rangers are exploring an ambitious move to hijack Bundesliga side Hamburg’s pursuit of Croatian striker Matija Frigan, with the club determined to back new manager Russell Martin in the transfer market.
Following the appointment of Martin—who arrives at Ibrox amid scrutiny and scepticism—attention has quickly turned to how the club’s American ownership, 49ers Enterprises, will support their new man in reshaping the squad. According to Belgian outlet Voetbalkrant on 9 June, Rangers are now “keen to quickly hijack” Hamburg’s negotiations and accelerate their own bid to bring Frigan to Glasgow.
The 22-year-old centre-forward is currently on the books of Belgian side Westerlo and has attracted a number of admirers after a strong season in the Pro League. Sunderland are also believed to be monitoring the player, while Westerlo have placed an £8.4 million price tag on his head.
New Manager, New Vision
Russell Martin’s arrival as manager represents a clear shift in strategic direction. Known for his possession-based approach and willingness to develop young talent, Martin is expected to build a dynamic, high-pressing side capable of matching Celtic’s dominance in the Scottish Premiership.
But to do that, he’ll need goals—and lots of them.
Cyriel Dessers may have ended the 2024–25 season as the league’s top scorer, but doubts remain over his long-term role under Martin. A sale could free up vital resources and space in the starting XI. With Danilo still recovering from injury issues and Sam Lammers out on loan, the centre-forward position is an obvious priority.
Frigan, despite his youth and relative inexperience at the top level, has emerged as a serious candidate.
Frigan’s Rise and Revival
Frigan’s trajectory has not been linear, but it is undeniably intriguing. He first caught attention with HNK Rijeka in Croatia, where he scored 15 goals in 32 appearances as a teenager—numbers that earned him a move to Belgium and a chance to test himself at a higher level.
His debut season at Westerlo was mixed as he adjusted to the physicality and tempo of the Belgian Pro League. But in 2024–25, Frigan grew into his role. He finished the campaign with 14 goals and four assists from 41 appearances in all competitions, earning praise for his movement, energy and link-up play, even if his conversion rate still left room for refinement.
While not yet an elite-level finisher, his numbers suggest a forward on an upward curve, still developing, still learning—and still affordable.
Risk or Reward?
Westerlo’s asking price of £8.4 million would represent a significant outlay for Rangers, particularly given the financial constraints of the Scottish game. But it is increasingly clear that 49ers Enterprises—alongside investor Andrew Cavenagh—intend to be more aggressive in the market this summer.
Martin’s task is not just to rebuild Rangers tactically, but to instil belief in a project that prioritises development, resale value and progression in Europe. In that light, a move for Frigan aligns with broader goals. He would be expected to contribute immediately, but also evolve into a high-value asset.
Still, the pressure would be considerable.
Frigan would not arrive as a squad player or long-term project, but rather as a likely starter at a club desperate to regain domestic supremacy and improve its European standing. At just 22, he would need time to adjust to the intensity of Scottish football, particularly at a club where expectations can be suffocating.
Yet that has not deterred Rangers, whose interest appears to be genuine and growing.
Hamburg and Sunderland Also in the Mix
Hamburg had appeared to be leading the race for Frigan, with sources in Belgium suggesting talks had progressed. But the lack of finality in that deal has left the door ajar—and Rangers now look set to charge through it.
Whether they can convince Frigan to choose Glasgow over the allure of the Bundesliga or England’s Premier League remains to be seen. Sunderland are understood to be circling as well, likely viewing Frigan as a longer-term bet who could thrive in the Championship before potentially stepping up.
But Rangers offer something different: the chance to play regular European football, compete for domestic honours, and join a club rebuilding with a clear identity under a new regime.
Long-Term Thinking Required
The reaction from supporters has been mixed. Some have welcomed the potential of landing a young, exciting striker with room to grow. Others have expressed caution, pointing to the club’s recent record with strikers arriving from abroad—Antonio Čolak and Lammers, for instance, failed to deliver consistent results.
Still, Frigan is seen by many scouts as a modern centre-forward: mobile, intelligent, with good hold-up play and capable of contributing across the front line. At Rijeka, he was often praised for his maturity off the ball and ability to bring others into play—traits that would suit Martin’s tactical blueprint.
If Rangers can secure a deal below the full asking price or negotiate a structure with performance-based incentives, it may prove a calculated gamble worth taking.
What Happens Next?
Frigan’s future is expected to be decided swiftly. With Hamburg pushing and Sunderland lurking, Rangers may need to act quickly to get ahead of the queue.
Whether the club can conclude the deal will depend on a number of factors—financial structure, personal terms, and of course, the player’s own ambitions.
But one thing is certain: Russell Martin is being backed in the market, and Matija Frigan is now firmly on the radar. For a club looking to turn the page and launch a new era, this could be one of the first defining moves of a very busy summer at Ibrox.
Verdict: Rangers’ pursuit of Matija Frigan highlights a new era of recruitment under Russell Martin—targeting high-ceiling talent who can be shaped into first-team regulars. While £8.4 million is steep for a developing striker, the message is clear: Ibrox is open for bold business again.
Godwin Obaje
