Major Hull City transfer twist emerges as €9m transfer set to be completed | OneFootball

Hull City are reportedly set to complete the signing of Croatian forward Matija Frigan, despite the club being placed under a transfer embargo.

Hull City are set to complete the signing of Croatian forward Matija Frigan from Belgian outfit K.V.C. Westerlo, despite the club being subject to transfer restrictions.

Reports in June suggested that Hull were in for the 22-year-old forward, who was interested in the prospect of reuniting with Serej Jakirovic, who managed him at Rijeka.

Frigan netted 15 goals in 32 games for the Croatian outfit before moving to Belgian Pro League side Westerlo in the summer of 2023 on a five-year contract after his €5.5m release clause was triggered.

It now looks like the young forward is heading to England - even though the EFL have punished Hull for not paying a transfer installment on time to a Premier League club, thought to be Aston Villa for last season's Louie Barry loan deal.

Reports suggest Hull City will work around transfer restriction to land Matija Frigan deal

According to the EFL's embargo service, Hull are banned from paying transfer fees until the start of the 2027 winter transfer window, which means no money moves for a year-and-a-half - although the club have appealed this.

Crucially though, their registration embargo has been lifted, meaning deals can be done - and it appears they've got a creative solution to their Frigan problem.

As per reports from BBC's James Fletcher via X, Croatian sources have revealed that Frigan is now set to make his move to East Yorkshire, despite the transfer restrictions that are in place..

A deal is suggested to be in place that includes no fee for an initial 18-month period to work around restrictions, with a loan deal set to become permanent following this for a reported fee of €9 million in 2027 - it would require the approval of the EFL though for such a deal to happen.

Jakirovic only worked with the 15-time Croatia Under-21 international for nine months after being appointed head coach of Rijeka in November 2022, with 10 of Frigan's 14 league goals during his final season for the club coming in said timeframe, before Westerlo were able to secure his signature.

Since then, he has netted 19 times in 72 outings for his current employers, with 14 of those coming last term, featuring alongside the likes of former City winger, Allahyar Sayyadmanesh.

Embargo not stopping Hull City as they look for attacking reinforcements

Despite the ongoing financial restrictions, Hull City remain aggressive in the transfer market, with Frigan's imminent arrival highlighting their intent to fix last season's attacking shortcomings.

The Tigers managed just 44 goals during the previous Championship campaign, contributing to a narrow escape from relegation on goal difference, and have clearly identified their frontline as a key area for improvement.

Frigan, who scored 14 goals in the Belgian Pro League last season, is expected to bring a much-needed cutting edge. His prior success under Jakirovic at Rijeka, where he hit double figures, offers encouragement that he can replicate that form at the MKM Stadium.

His addition follows reports linking Hull to other attacking targets such as Oli McBurnie and Mahir Emreli, another forward familiar to Jakirovic from their time at Dinamo Zagreb.

Frigan's arrival, assuming it’s completed as expected, would mark a significant early statement in Jakirovic’s tenure. And with 41 career goals and 11 assists already to his name at just 22 years old, the Croatian forward could be central to Hull’s hopes of a more clinical campaign ahead despite restrictions.