Rangers continue to be linked with HNK Rijeka ace Matija Frigan and his head coach insists that the Croatian outfit must be ‘prepared’ in case of the striker’s departure.
If Rangers know what is good for them, they will be attempting to tie up a deal for the 20-year-old frontman before the Under 21 European Championships kick off later this month.
Matija Frigan, scorer of five goals in 12 caps for Croatia at youth level, is likely to be one of the first names on the team sheet against Romania, Spain and Ukraine in Group B.
And with reports suggesting that Rijeka are already demanding a fee in excess of £5 million, Rangers would be best served moving with the sort of pace and precision Frigan usually puts on his shots.
“Matija (had) an exceptional second part of the season,” Rijeka coach Sergej Jakirovic tells La Voce. “In a few weeks, he will be a protagonist at the U21 European Championships. And there he will have the eyes of numerous scouts and agents (on him).”
Rangers face a big battle to sign Matija Frigan
Dinamo Zagreb coach Igor Biscan admitted this week that he is hoping to bring Frigan from Rijeka to the reigning Croatian champions. The 6ft 1ins giant, who scored 15 goals in 31 Rijeka games in 2022/23, is in no rush to leave, however, wary of a move that would serve only to impede his development.
“He really has many offers. It is no mystery that Dinamo had already started negotiations in the winter window,” Jakirovic adds. “The most important thing will, as always, be to satisfy all three parties involve; the current club, the player and the new buyer.”
“It’s hard to say (if he should stay). Much will depend on his personal ambitions. What is certain is that he still has ample room for improvement. He is a young player and still at the beginning of his career.
“I fear nothing. I’m used to changing many players. Like every summer, there will be a lot of comings and goings. But the most important thing will be not to be caught unprepared. Therefore, (we must) have the alternative ready when a player leaves.”
Frigan’s agent claimed a fortnight ago that Rangers are yet to submit an offer. That could soon change, however, with Alfredo Morelos leaving upon the expiry of his contract.
