Sunderland are seemingly pushing ahead with a move for Matija Frigan this month, and if they secure the signing, it could involve a huge transfer fee.
With Regis Le Bris getting Sunderland on track for promotion this season, it is not surprising that the board are giving the Frenchman the backing he needs to get over the line.
The signing of Enzo Le Fee was evidence enough of that ambition, and now Sunderland’s next priority would appear to be a new striker.
That’s where Matija Frigan comes in, with Sunderland reportedly keen on the Croatian forward this month, and things could be moving in the right direction when it comes to that transfer.
- READ MORE: Enzo Le Fee ranks second in Sunderland squad in key area following Burnley, he has only played once
Sunderland will pay €15m for Matija Frigan if they get promoted
The latest report comes from Nieuwsblad, with a claim that Frigan is subject of a loan-to-buy agreement between Sunderland and KVC Westerlo.
It is said the 21-year-old could leave the Belgian side this month, joining the Wearside outfit on loan until the end of the season. And, if the Black Cats were to get promoted, they would trigger a mandatory purchase clause that could be worth €15m (£12.67m).
The offer is thought to be on the table right now, but whether the move actually comes through remains to be seen. According to additional information from Croatian outlet, Sportske, movement in these negotiations is expected by Monday or Tuesday of this week.
If it does go ahead, and the €15m fee is paid, it would be a record fee for Westerlo when it comes to player sales, surpassing the €12m they received for Lyle Foster from Burnley. The Belgian outfit only paid €5.5m for Frigan in 2023.
However, the report from Sportske suggests Westerlo would prefer a permanent sale immediately, even if it means they receive a lower fee.
One thing’s for sure, if Frigan does end up being the next confirmed Sunderland transfer, it will be yet another strong signal of intent from the Black Cats this month.
Sunderland’s loan-to-buy obligations could be huge in the summer
Between the potential deal for Frigan, the big fee to be paid for Enzo Le Fee if Sunderland go up, and the prospect of a permanent switch for Wilson Isidor, Sunderland would be set for a major outlay in the summer if they do make it to the Premier League.
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has been praised for his ambition lately, and we know the windfall of gaining promotion is huge, but it will be interesting to see how much wiggle room Le Bris would have in his summer budget at this rate.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LeedsLeeds | 27 | 16 | 8 | 3 | 49 | 19 | 30 | 56 |
| 2 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 27 | 17 | 6 | 4 | 38 | 17 | 21 | 55 |
| 3 |  BurnleyBurnley | 27 | 14 | 11 | 2 | 31 | 9 | 22 | 53 |
| 4 |  SunderlandSunderland | 27 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 39 | 22 | 17 | 51 |
| 5 |  BlackburnBlackburn | 27 | 12 | 6 | 9 | 31 | 24 | 7 | 42 |
| 6 |  West BromWest Brom | 27 | 9 | 14 | 4 | 33 | 22 | 11 | 41 |
Still, as we’ve seen from the top three this season, you simply have to spend money if you want to succeed in the Championship, and no one can say that Sunderland aren’t trying to strike while the iron is hot.
It’s exciting to see, and hopefully, Sunderland can get the Frigan deal across the line, to offer support and competition for the likes of Isidor and Mayenda up front.