Sunderland hold serious interest in Croatian talisman

Sunderland are taking a ‘serious’ look at KVC Westerlo striker Matija Frigan, according to reporter Michael Graham.

Sunderland are in the market for new additions this January. SAFC boss Regis Le Bris has been vocal about strengthening in the bid to maintain the push for promotion. One of the window’s more notable acquisitions has already been made by the Black Cats, who signed French midfielder Enzo Le Fee on a loan-to-buy from Roma.

However, Le Bris will be hoping they’re not finished there. A new name has recently surfaced in rumors after several players were connected to a move to the Stadium of Light. According to reporter Michael Graham’s post on X, Sunderland is seriously considering Croatian attacker Matija Frigan, who plays for KVC Westerlo in Belgium.

The 21-year-old only moved to the Belgian Pro League team last summer, paying €5.50 million (about £4.6 million according to Transfermarkt) to leave HNK Rijeka. Since then, he has contributed 12 goals and 4 assists in 53 games, including 7 goals and 3 assists in his 22 appearances this season.

More on Frigan

Frigan, a young player with a respectable goal total this season, is under contract until 2028 and probably wouldn’t be an inexpensive acquisition to SAFC. Frigan would migrate to Sunderland at the age of 21, making it his third permanent residence. His move to Belgium wasn’t as shocking because of his performance in Croatia. He progressed through the youth ranks at HNK Rijeka, where he scored 15 goals and provided three assists in 32 games at an early age. Although Frigan’s first season in Westerlo wasn’t particularly noteworthy, he has been playing well in a team that is having trouble. His prime years are still ahead of him, and he has plenty of time to mature—possibly on Wearside.

Current striker options

It looks as though the striker department at SAFC is one set for a bit of an overhaul this winter.

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