Westerlo boss Issame Charaï admits he doesn’t know what the future holds for striker Matija Frigan amid interest from Hull City in the former HNK Rijeka player.
City are subject to a three-window fee restriction ban imposed on them by the EFL and therefore cannot pay money to sign the 22-year-old, but are determined to strike a loan deal.
Any loan deal for the forward would still be subject to EFL approval, but it’s hoped the mechanics of that deal would be palatable even if their ban is imposed after their appeal, which is likely to be heard in the next few days.
The Croatian played under Sergej Jakirovic in Rijeka, and the new Tigers head coach identified him as a player of significant interest, although that was before the club’s transfer problems came to light.
Frigan has emerged as one of the club’s top targets in a summer when strengthening their attacking line-up is absolutely crucial if they’re to avoid the struggles of last season, which saw them finish as the league’s lowest scorers.
Even if their ban remains in place, the club will continue to work on a way of bringing the striker to the MKM Stadium, and Charaï hasn’t ruled out an exit from the Belgian outfit.
“As long as the transfer window is open, you have to be prepared for anything,” Charai said. “We’ll have to wait and see how Matija is doing until the last day of the summer transfer window. For now, as manager, I have three good strikers at my disposal: Matija Frigan, Nacho Ferri, and don’t forget Kyan Vaesen. This underscores the club’s ambition.
“The board, with Hasan (Cetinkaya – chairman) and sporting director Francesco Carratta, is working hard. We have a backup team, and our communication is excellent. We’re constantly looking for opportunities. I hope we can keep all the players. But the eternal question is: who goes and who stays?”
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