Rangers linked striker Matija Frigan appears no closer to sealing a move away from HNK Rijeka with a proposed move to Major League Soccer outfit New York FC collapsing.
A month ago, Rijeka’s sporting director Darko Raic Sudar admitted that he expected the Croatia U21 international to be on the move sooner rather than later amid reported interest from Rangers.
“We all think that Frigan will leave,” Sudar said.
“There is the most interest in Frigan (out of all of our players). He is our most valuable player on the market. He is young, received a pre-call-up for the national team and will play at the U21 European Championships.
“Two or three official offers came, but none of them satisfied us.”
Four weeks on, Rijeka are still awaiting a proposal which ticks all their boxes.
Rangers move now feels unlikely for Matija Frigan
The chance of Rangers stepping up their interest appear to be growing slimmer by the day. Cyriel Dessers is finally closing in on a long-awaited move to Ibrox, while Feyenoord’s Danilo and the now-unattached Josh Maja all appear to be ahead of Frigan on Mick Beale’s wishlist.
The doors of the MLS have closed on Frigan’s fingers too. New York City FC have opted for Monsef Bakrar of Rijeka’s Croatian rivals NK Istra after deciding that Frigan’s £5 million asking price was simply too hefty (Index).
That is also more than Rangers are expected to pay for Dessers. Maja, meanwhile, is officially out of contract, Bordeaux confirming on Tuesday that the former Sunderland youngster – who scored 17 goals last season – has left the Matmut Atlantique following the expiry of his deal.
“FC Girondins de Bordeaux would like to salute the passage of Josh,” reads a statement on the club’s official website.
“(He) arrived at 20, he reached a milestone in his life as a player and as a man. He leaves leaving a very positive memory, with 29 goals and 9 assists in 92 appearances.
“We wish him the best for the rest of his professional career, hoping that he will blossom fully in his next adventure.
“Thanks Josh!”
As for Frigan, only time will tell if Rijeka receive an offer more to their liking.
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