Internal Discussions at Old Trafford
Manchester United are holding internal discussions regarding a potential move for SC Freiburg striker Igor Matanović, as multiple Premier League clubs continue to monitor the 23-year-old’s progress. According to reports, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has been involved in these internal conversations, marking the Croatia international as a target following a prolific start to the 2026/27 campaign. The forward has recorded six goals in his first seven appearances across all competitions this season.
While interest has been established, the situation remains in the scouting phase. Manchester United are among six English clubs actively tracking the player, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Fulham, and Coventry City also noted as having officials present at his recent fixtures. No formal bid has been submitted by any club at this stage, with interested parties currently evaluating whether to accelerate their interest in the January window or wait until the conclusion of the season.
Freiburg's Valuation and Market Position
SC Freiburg are under no immediate pressure to sell the forward, who remains under contract until 2029. Despite an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) significantly lower than his market valuation, the Bundesliga club has reportedly set an asking price in the region of £50 million. This stance is informed by their recent history of high-value departures, including the transfer of Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa for a similar fee, a benchmark that reflects their market expectations.
Tactical Fit and Squad Context
Standing at 6ft 5in, Matanović’s physical profile has drawn comparisons to tall, mobile centre-forwards. For Manchester United, any pursuit is understood to be contingent upon wider squad management, specifically the potential departure of existing forward options such as Joshua Zirkzee. The club’s recruitment team was unable to facilitate a permanent exit for the Netherlands forward during the summer, which complicated their attacking reinforcements. Should the club look to bring in a new focal point, they are assessing whether Matanović represents a suitable long-term addition or a secondary option to provide attacking depth.
The competitive landscape for the forward is intensifying. While Manchester United have identified the player as a target, Arsenal and Chelsea are also conducting regular checks, suggesting that any winning bid may require a swift commitment when the transfer window opens. Clubs are expected to weigh his recent goalscoring form against his development needs when determining if a January move is viable.
