View: Sunderland fans surely encouraged as ‘Hungry’ Matija Frigan targeted
Sunderland continue to be linked with a move for Westerlo striker Matija Frigan and supporters can take optimism after what has been said about the frontman.
The Black Cats are enjoying a successful campaign under Regis Le Bris and they certainly don’t appear to be resting on their laurels following links to Westerlo striker Frigan [Germanijak].
Wilson Isidor has been in fine form this season, but two missed penalties alongside a guilt-edged chance against Burnley perhaps showcased the need for further attacking reinforcements, and all the signs are pointing towards Frigan being the one.
Mackem News spoke exclusively to a Croatian football expert, otherwise known as TheCroatianLad on X to get a further insight into Sunderland’s potential new arrival.
He said: “[Frigan has a] very good instinct for a striker. He finds space and helps in creation, and his tap-ins are perfect. He had some problems with the finishing but now he has improved a little in Westerlo.
“He devoted himself more to football since he was there. The first season was difficult for him to get used to, but now he has adapted so he is doing better.
“When in Rijeka, he liked going out drinking there, and now the focus is on football because he has no time for anything else.”
When asked if Frigan could be a hit in the Championship, he replied: “I think he could. He’s playing well recently and he’s a hungry player so it could work out for him.”
Sunderland could be taking a gamble on Matija Frigan
According to an update from Croatian journalist Ižak Ante Sučić, Sunderland will pay an obligatory fee of £12.6million should they obtain his services on loan, providing they get promoted to the Premier League, while a mandatory fee of £6.3m will be present otherwise.
Given his inexperience in English football, those numbers are significant for a Championship side, especially if the Black Cats fail to achieve promotion.
However, it shows a clear ambition from the Sunderland hierarchy to prevent that from happening, having already completed the blockbuster signing of Enzo Le Fee with a similar clause installed in his deal.
Ultimately, should the Mackems get promoted, and indeed if Frigan plays a big part in that, the reported fee will seem minimal and one that was worth the gamble.
In other Sunderland news, this Rangers star has been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light.
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