Official | Freiburg sign Igor Matanović from Eintracht Frankfurt for €8m | OneFootball

Freiburg have today announced the signing of Igor Matanović (22) from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported €8m. The Croatian forward joins the club on a long term contract.

“Igor has a truly exciting profile,” said board member Jochen Saier. “He’s alert, has good physicality and is a goal threat. He also demonstrates a good attitude and a willingness to work for the team. In the past, we’ve proven that, together with the player and with a little patience, we can initiate the next steps in his development and unleash his undoubtedly great potential.”

What will Ivan Matanović bring to Freiburg?

While not being able to show it at Eintracht Frankfurt, Matanović proved clinical during his loan spell at 2. Bundesliga side Karlsruhe that he can be prolific. The Croat scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in 32 second division games in the 2023/24 season.

With Michael Gregoritsch likely heading out the exit door at Freiburg, there’s likely a starting berth in Schuster’s new look attack next season. SCF have already signed Yuito Suzuki (€10m), Cyriaque Irié (€8.5m) and Derry Scherhant (€2m) this summer, but Matanović will arrive as the club’s new focal point in attack.

Factor in the contract extension of Vincenzo Grifo, and Freiburg will be an exciting team to watch this season.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder