Sunderland in hunt to strike £12.6m loan-to-buy deal for Frigan
Sunderland are considering a bid to sign Westerlo striker Matija Frigan, according to Germanijak.
The Croatian news outlet reports (17 January) that following the signing of Enzo Le Fee, the Black Cats are keen to add to their attacking ranks with the 21-year-old forward on what would be a loan-to-buy deal.
The initial loan for Frigan – who is understood to be keen on the move to the Stadium of Light – would become permanent in the summer for around £12.6million should Sunderland reach the Premier League.
Frigan has scored five goals this season for Westerlo, who currently sit 13th in the Belgian Pro League.
Regis Le Bris’ side take on Burnley on Friday night (17 January) in a potentially massive clash in the race for the top flight.
Sunderland need a new striker
Sunderland will be eager to bolster their attack with only Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda as realistic number nine options at present.
Aaron Connolly, who signed on a short-term deal in the summer, has moved on and joined Millwall, while Nazariy Rusyn has been shaped into more of a wide player and young arrival Ahmed Abdullahi is not yet established in the squad following a lengthy injury.
For Sunderland to sanction the departure of Connolly could indicate a striker is on the cards, and Frigan would fit the bill as a young player with potential but one who has also accumulated plenty of senior games.
Frigan is an Under-21 international for Croatia, and started his professional career in his homeland with Rijeka. He made the move to Belgium in 2023, and if he signs for Sunderland would become the club’s first-ever Croatian player.
So far in the winter window, the Wearsiders have brought in midfield man Le Fee from Roma on loan until the end of the season.
In other Sunderland news, Le Bris issues an update on Aji Alese’s fitness.
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