Striker Igor Matanovic was an important player for Freiburg last season and the Croatian has attracted interest from Tottenham and Manchester United.
The 23-year-old was on the scoresheet twice in the German club’s DFB Pokal tie against Dusseldorf some days ago. In the 2025/26 campaign, he found the net 11 times in the Bundesliga and also made a mark in the Europa League, scoring three times.
It was also the first time he had played regularly in the German top-flight, as a move to Eintracht Frankfurt hadn’t worked out in 2024.
Tottenham and Manchester United have been left impressed.
Player’s profile growing
Thursday’s print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport reports on the growing interest in the striker.
Fiorentina are about to move on from Moise Kean, who is nearing a transfer to Como. The Florence club are scouring the market for replacements and are monitoring a possible deal for Matanovic.
A move is seen as ambitious by director Fabio Paratici, who believes the Croatian could offer more than Kean did. However, competition from Manchester United and Tottenham is likely to cause problems, with both clubs interested in a late move. As a result, the deal is described as ‘difficult but not impossible’ for Fiorentina.
The Italian side believe Matanovic is the heir to Mario Mandzukic for the Croatian national team. He is particularly liked because of his heading ability, as he offers something different to Kean.
Zirkzee situation important
While Tottenham have landed Omar Marmoush and may not need another striker, things could be different for Manchester United.
Fiorentina themselves have made contact for Joshua Zirkzee, with SportWitness also covering how Juventus are also keen on the Dutchman.
If the former player leaves, Manchester United would need a replacement quickly enough. That is when interest in Matanovic could rise and indirectly, Fiorentina could yet be involved in the race for the ex-Frankfurt forward.
