Earlier this week, claims from the UK stated Sunderland are keen on signing KVC Westerlo’s Matija Frigan in the winter market.
These claims have reached the Belgian press, specifically Voetbal Nieuws, who then share their take on this case.
The Jupiler Pro League side paid €5.5m plus bonuses to buy the striker from Croatian side HNK Rijeka in July 2023 and gave him a contract until 2028.
Frigan managed five goals and an assist last season and has seven goals and three assists from 22 games this season. Despite this, the report says his performances have not fully convinced his club.
Westerlo are fighting to avoid relegation while Sunderland are in contention to return to the Premier League. The Championship side are currently fourth in the table, three points behind leaders Leeds United.
The outlet claims the Croatian ‘will be happy’ to leave his current employer for the Black Cats. Westerlo, for their part, have to raise funds to carry out new signings in the ongoing window, and would be willing to let Frigan leave.
Voetbal Nieuws warn Sunderland they will have to bring in ‘millions of Euros’ considering Westerlo are tough negotiators. They state the Belgian club will at least want to recover the €5.5m they paid, to sanction his sale.
Frigan and Westerlo’s stance will give encouragement for Régis Le Bris’ side to sign him in January.
