SC Freiburg is reportedly close to finalizing the transfer of striker Igor Matanović, aged 22, from Eintracht Frankfurt. Stuttgart and Augsburg had also expressed interest in the Croatian forward, but Freiburg appears to be in the leading position to secure his signature.
The potential transfer occurs amidst Frankfurt`s expected acquisition of Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz for approximately €25m. With Michy Batshuayi and Hugo Ekitiké already part of the squad, Matanović`s playing time, which was limited to around 300 minutes across 16 Bundesliga appearances resulting in just one goal last season, would likely decrease further, making a move sensible.
The transfer fee is estimated to be around €8m, representing a significant profit for Frankfurt, who signed the player from St. Pauli for just €500k in January 2021. Furthermore, Eintracht Frankfurt is expected to retain a percentage of any future transfer fee should Matanović leave Freiburg later on.
While final details are still being discussed, Matanović`s move to Freiburg is progressing rapidly, and the player is reportedly keen to join his new team as soon as possible.
