Matija Frigan has brought an end to those Rangers links with Belgian outfit KVC Westerlo confirming the ‘remarkable’ signing of the Croatia U21 centre-forward.
With Rangers offering Champions League football – and with Sunderland providing the prospect of Premier League action in the near future – you’d have got long odds a few weeks ago on Matija Frigan putting pen to paper with a Westerlo side who finished eighth in the Belgian top-flight last term.
And the Antwerp-based outfit are under no illusions about the fact that Frigan’s signing is not only a major statement of intent, but also quite the coup.
Rangers linked Matija Frigan seals shock Belgium move
“It is a remarkable achievement for our club to secure the signing of this forward, who is occasionally compared to Italian striker Ciro Immobile,” Westerlo write on their official website, confirming that Frigan has signed a five-year deal at Het Kuipje.
“Our new number nine is already known for his excellent finishing, killer instinct, and heading ability. We wish Matija the best of luck in the coming years.”
It was not ‘luck’ that made Frigan a target for the likes of Rangers, Sunderland and well-heeled clubs in the United Arab Emirates.
The physical centre-forward scored 15 goals in 31 games for HNK Rijeka last term. A return made all the more impressive by the fact that Frigan – who only turned 20 in February – was not even a first-team player at Rijeka 12 months ago.
Westerlo’s new record signing
“I am looking forward to new challenges in my career. Thank you to my family for their support through all these years, and a big thank you to the fans for everything and for staying with us in good and bad times,” Frigan said during an emotional farewell.
“I wish my team-mates a successful season, good results in the championship and in Europe. I have no doubt that the fans will soon have many reasons to celebrate. What is certain is that I will forever remain a fan of Rijeka and I will follow every game whenever I can.”
According to Voetbal Primeur, Westerlo are paying a club-record £4.7 million for Frigan. That is only slightly less than the sum Rangers will stump up for Feyenoord’s Danilo, now their priority for the number nine spot in Mick Beale’s XI.
